Recently two of the Dental Solutions team attended a Foundation Course in Dental Acupuncture at Royal Preston Hospital. Both Lauren Westhead BDS BSc and Amy Norfolk BDS BSc completed the course to learn more about this alternative method and how it can be incorporated into a dental setting. Adding to their qualifications as Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth providers it is something new that the two were keen to learn more about.
It was a comprehensive course that covered Western style acupuncture, but here we have gathered a few key insights from the day and how they could benefit our patients here at Dental Solutions.’
Firstly, it is important to consider what acupuncture actually is outside of dentistry. A treatment which finds its origins in ancient Chinese medicine, it is a technique that has stood the test of time for both practitioners and patients alike. It involves inserting fine needles into certain sites across the body in order to achieve therapeutic or sometimes even preventative outcomes. As a technique, it is used widely across the UK in general NHS practices, pain clinics and even hospices.
Modern acupuncture works by stimulating sensory nerves that are under the skin and in the muscles of the body. This causes the body to produce natural, pain-relieving, endorphins that are credited as being responsible for the positive effects created by acupuncture.
Traditionally, acupuncture was based on the belief that an energy flowed through the body. This Qi (pronounced as “chee”) is believed to cause illness if it is unable to flow through the body properly, so the purpose of acupuncture is to restore the positive flow. Obviously, over time, modern medicine has taught us much more about why acupuncture works for the body; but, it is interesting to see how our ancestors interpreted the inner workings of the body and medicine!
One of the biggest draws for seeking acupuncture alongside dental treatment is the fact that, according to research which can be found here, it can help to reduce anxiety for those who fear the dentist or dental work. The study found that in a test pool of 20 people, 12 (60) were found to respond positively to the acupuncture and dental treatment could take place. This is from a test pool where some patients had previously been unable to receive dental work at all.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome is a pain in the jaw joint which can result in a number of medical issues. This and other jaw pains can prove difficult in a dental setting and so seeking a solution for patients is important. Acupuncture can be used to relieve pain for those who suffer from this and other jaw-related problems that affect dental treatment.
Acupuncture can also be helpful in cases where a dental patient struggles with an overactive gag reflex. For patients who cannot have any dental procedure performed due to a gag reflex, in particular, could find it beneficial on a trial basis. Though not effective in 100 of cases, according to various studies performed by the British Dental Acupuncture Society, it can have a positive effect on some patients.
Are you interested in what acupuncture could do for your dental experience? Then contact us using the online form at our Lymm office or call on 01925 756565.
If you would like Lauren or Amy to assess you for any other treatments – such as Invisalign or Quick Straight Teeth – then you can also book an appointment for an initial consultation.
EXCELLENTBased on 301 reviewsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Helen Asteriades2024-10-18I have had 3 implants now at dental solutions and have been very pleased with them My experience each time has been very positive I am very happy to recommend this excellent service Iam now having invisalign My appointment to dicuss it was very positive and very professionally managedTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Linda Madgwick2024-10-12Just started treatment for my fifth implant. Very quick and painless! Just felt some pressure, nothing else and all over in 20 minutes. Back in 3 months time to complete the treatment. Great care and service.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Jean Sharpe2024-09-29Check up from Gavin, the principal dentist Treatment from Victoria, the hygienist Administration carried out by Janet, lead receptionist All areas of expertise were handled professionally and with competence and skill. Highly recommendTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Laura Barrett2024-09-25After years of issues with two missing teeth I went to see Gavin to see what could be done. I didn’t think implants would be an option due to the small space however I was proven wrong. Gavin went above and beyond during the process to ensure I ended up with an amazing smile. I was so happy with my teeth I even cried. Can’t thank Gavin and the team enough for everything they’ve done.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vanessa Maria2024-09-25I have been a patient of Dental solutions for around 6 years and every visit has been a positive and pleasurable experience. I was in pain with a bottom front tooth a week ago, so phoned the practice and was given an appointment with Lauren an hour later. I am going through a difficult time at the moment and Lauren was very kind and caring as well as thorough and professional. Thankfully the source of pain was just induced by clenching, in turn causing sensitivity. Lauren prescribed a toothpaste which helped almost immediately. Thanks Lauren for the treatment suggestion but also for being so kind.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Carolyne Rogers2024-09-21I saw Lauren last week as I needed a root canal on a molar tooth. I found the experience to be very positive, I saw Lauren who was kind, considerate, friendly & informative. She explained each & every step before she proceeded & the treatment was totally pain free & successfull I would definitely recommend Lauren & her assistant for any dental treatment C A RogersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Barbara Gaskell2024-09-20I used to be an extremely nervous patient before I found this dental practice. Gavin and his team are lovely and immediately put you at ease, I really couldn't imagine going anywhere else now.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Andy Mackay2024-08-25Having a great fear of the dentist from my teens and having neglected my teeth since, i was forced to seek attention when my two front upper teeth came out. Gavin at Dental solutions was superb, putting me totally at ease. I then had all my top teeth replaced by implants. This was a totally free of pain experience. Two years later following a facial collision with a dog, I had four loose bottom teeth at the front. Another trip to see Gavin and again superb treatment throughout and painless. Another implant. The service at Dental Solutions is first class from the receptionists through to the dentist. I would recommend them without reservation.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.tom floyd2024-08-25An outstanding experience from beginning to end. I first connected with Dental Solutions through a friend's referral. Initially, I had planned to go to Turkey because I was unhappy with my smile and felt very self-conscious about it. Before making that decision, I visited Dental Solutions to see if there was any way to preserve my original teeth instead of undergoing invasive procedures abroad. The team exceeded my expectations at every step. Lauren suggested Invisalign treatment, and the results were incredible—my smile was completely transformed. She monitored my progress closely, even providing a home camera kit and regularly checking in via text to ensure everything was going smoothly. After the Invisalign treatment was complete, Gavin recommended edge bonding and assured me the results would be fantastic. Given my exceptional experience up to that point, I trusted their expertise and proceeded with the edge bonding. When I came in for the procedure, Dr. Amit delivered outstanding results. Having spoken with others who’ve had similar work done elsewhere, I can confidently say that the quality and care I received were unmatched. Dr. Amit took his time, thoroughly explaining each step and demonstrating his genuine passion for dentistry. Overall, the experience offered excellent value for money and was truly enjoyable. It has renewed my commitment to staying on top of dental appointments and restored my confidence in visiting the dentist. I highly recommend them.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.Vrancken` Matthew2024-08-24I have been a customer for years now and my experiences have always been 5 star. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and most importantly they deliver a super professional job.