Acupuncture is a technique that has evolved over thousands of years. It is used by a range of medically trained practitioners, from anaesthetists to physiotherapists to dentists and can have an important role in treatment of patients.
Acupuncture may be used to treat dental related conditions such as muscle spasm, headaches, TMD, dry mouth, dental anxiety and sensitive gag reflex. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into the body and and though some patients describe the treatment as uncomfortable for many patients there is virtually no sensation at all.
For most dental treatments, acupuncture focuses on the head and neck area, on occasions needles may also be inserted into your hands. Sessions generally last up to 25 minutes. During your session, other dental treatment can be carried out. In these cases, acupuncture can be helpful to allow your dental treatment to be carried out, such as helping to reduce gagging or helping with dental anxiety.
