Conditions that we might treat with acupuncture
- – TMJ (jaw joint) pain
- – TMJ Clicking & locking
- – Facial Pain
- – Muscle spasm
- – Chronic Stress Headache
- – Migraine
- – Trigeminal & other Neuralgias
- – Rhinitis & Sinusitis
- – Prominent retch reflex
- – Dental Anxiety
- – Xerostomia (Dry mouth problems)
- – Altered sensations in the mouth
- – Post operative pain
What happens during a treatment?
You may know that acupuncture uses fine needles. Typically these are inserted through the skin and gently stimulated by hand or sometimes with a gentle electrical current from a torch battery. The treatment doesn’t generally take very long, often uses about half a dozen needles (this varies on the patient), and is not usually painful, although there may be some discomfort. Your dentist may do some other dental treatment whilst the acupuncture works. Sometimes the position of the needles can seem strange, but there are specific patterns for treatments.
Modern research has shown that acupuncture can work on most of the body’s systems. The needles stimulate the nervous system, to produce a number of effects, modifying the way pain signals are felt, and releasing natural painkillers – endorphin & serotonin – in the nervous system. But acupuncture does more than just control pain, it has a generally beneficial effect on health, and many patients feel better in general, and sleep better following a treatment.
Treatments may begin with weekly sessions, with further visits as prescribed by your dentist. About half a dozen treatments is a common prescription.
Does it work?
We can show by experiment that acupuncture works, and that the results are not due to the placebo effect.
People will respond to acupuncture in their own way. Some patients notice an immediate improvement; some find that several treatments are needed before the full effect is felt. There are some that do not respond to this type of treatment. Generally about 70% of patients show some benefits.
What happens after treatment?
Many patients feel a little tired after a treatment. Occasionally the acupuncture sites may feel slightly bruised for 24 hours or so. It is not uncommon for patients to notice other changes, for example their back pain improves, or other aches change and become more obvious as the major problem is treated and improves. If you have any worries please ask your dentist.
Who should I see?
Being members of the British Dental Acupuncture Society (BDAS) we have received specific training in acupuncture techniques to give you the best results. As a fully qualified dentist we are able to provide you with the benefits of both acupuncture and conventional treatments. We are fully conversant with such important areas as hygiene, and medical implications of your condition.