Acupuncture in dentistry

Question 1

The term acupuncture can include (6)

Answer 1

(1) Traditional body needling
(2) Moxibustion
(3) Photo acupuncture
(4) Electroacupuncture (EA)
(5) Microsystem acupuncture, such as ear, face, hand,
and scalp acupuncture
(6) Acupressure (the application of pressure at selected sites on the body)

Question 2

Mechanism of action (3)

Answer 2

Simulates body at certain points by insertion and manipulation of thin steel needles either by hand or light electrical stimulation
These points can be presses (acupressure) or warmed (moxibustion)
Stimulates nervous system, changing way nervous system processes pain signals and releasing natural painkillers, such as serotonin and endorphins in nervous system

Question 3

Actions of acupuncutre

Answer 3

Regulating various physiologic functions
Inducing analgesia
Modulating limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network
Increasing local microcirculation
Protecting body from infections

Question 4

Acupuncture in dental disorders (lots)

Answer 4

Dental pain
 Dental anxiety and gag reflex.
 Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain or temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
 TMJ clicking and locking.
 Chronic muscle pain or spasm
 Atypical facial pain
 Headache (tension headache, migraine)
 Xerostomia (dry mouth)
 Nerve pain (neuralgia, especially trigeminal neuralgia,
neuropathic pain, nerve injury)
 Paresthesia or anesthesia of the oral and paraoral
structures.