Applications Of Tens In Dentistry- Literature Review

Abstract

In many areas of dentistry, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has shown promise as a non-invasive, non-pharmacological pain treatment technique. This literature review examines how TENS is used in dentistry, emphasizing its workings, advantages, drawbacks, and prospects. The main mechanisms by which TENS therapy modifies both acute and chronic pain perception are the Gate Control Theory and the activation of endogenous opioid release. TENS has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in treating orofacial problems in juvenile and special needs populations, including Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS), temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and procedural pain. It can be used for neuromuscular re-education in prosthodontics, procedural analgesia in endodontics and periodontics, and pain related to tooth movement in orthodontics.

Additionally, by improving salivary flow, TENS shows potential in treating xerostomia. It has disadvantages as well as contraindications, particularly for people with epilepsy, pacemakers, and other systemic disorders, despite its advantages of low cost, portability, and little side effects. The ongoing issues with patient education, electrode placement, and dosage control underscore the need for more thorough clinical research and established practices. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) demonstrates considerable potential in the future of dental practice due to ongoing technological advancements and the increasing patient preference for non-invasive, home-based therapies. In contrast to conventional pharmacological analgesics, TENS offers a safer and more physiologically compatible modality for the managing dental pain.