Microcurrent TENS therapy

Patients often ask: “What is microcurrent TENS therapy in dentistry and will it work for me?“. We answer: TENS – if you decipher the abbreviation itself – it is short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is “transcutaneous electronic neurostimulation” – i.e. “stimulation of nerves through the skin”. Thanks to this TENS stimulation, the therapy allows you to anesthetize and relax the chewing muscles to a certain extent, and improve the work of the maxillofacial area.

It is important that in dentistry this method is part of a comprehensive approach. It can be used even before the main dental treatment of masticatory muscle and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. And his task here is to alleviate the symptoms, and after relaxing the muscles, help the doctor assess the position of the lower jaw.

How It Works

A TENS device generates low-frequency biphasic pulses—brief, mild electrical impulses in which the current alternates direction. Delivered via electrodes placed on the skin, these pulses stimulate the nerves, which in turn transmit signals to the muscles. This stimulation causes the muscle to undergo a process akin to a “massage”—alternating between contraction and relaxation. The patient perceives this simply as a rhythmic twitching of the muscles or a mild tingling sensation. This process can improve local blood circulation and accelerate the removal of lactic acid that accumulates in overstrained muscles. The result is muscle relaxation, allowing hypertonic (overly tense) masticatory muscles to gradually loosen.

Simultaneously, the perception of pain diminishes, and the body is prompted to produce more endorphins—its own natural painkillers.

IMPORTANT: The electrical current intensity and pulse frequency used during TENS therapy are not standardized settings. Specific parameters must be determined exclusively by a physician, based on the individual patient’s condition.

A TENS session begins with a consultation, during which the doctor assesses the condition of the masticatory (chewing) muscles. Next, electrodes are placed on the skin, and the device is configured with the appropriate settings. This is followed by the stimulation process itself, concluding with recommendations for further treatment and an assessment of whether additional sessions are advisable. Below, we will describe each stage of the procedure in more detail.

Preparation for the Procedure

Before undergoing TENS therapy, please ensure that your face and neck are free of creams or foundation. The doctor will degrease the areas where the electrodes are to be applied. It is also best to remove any metal jewelry and set aside your mobile phone. Furthermore, please inform the doctor about any medical conditions you may have, any implanted devices (such as a pacemaker), or if you are pregnant. Since the microcurrents used are very weak and the device is constantly monitored by a specialist, this therapy is considered quite safe—provided there are no contraindications.

Stages of the Session

• Stage 1: Electrode placement – ​​the doctor places small electrodes over the masseter (chewing) and temporal muscles, or other designated areas, depending on the purpose of the procedure.
• Stage 2: Device setup – the device is connected, and the specialist gradually adjusts the frequency and intensity of the impulses, taking the patient’s feedback into account to ensure a comfortable level.
• Stage 3: Stimulation – the device delivers mild impulses, causing the muscles to gradually relax.
• Stage 4: Monitoring the response – the doctor observes the patient’s well-being and the muscle response, adjusting the impulse parameters if necessary.
• Stage 5: Conclusion of the session – the electrodes are removed, and the doctor determines the next steps.

How long does a session last, and how many treatments are needed?

The duration of a TENS session depends on the goal of the procedure and the condition of the muscles; therefore, the doctor will specify the time after an examination. Generally, a session lasts approximately 20 to 60 minutes. The sensations are typically comfortable and painless—often described as a mild pulsing or tingling—accompanied by a gradual relaxation. The number of sessions is determined on an individual basis; sometimes a few sessions are sufficient, while in other cases, a longer course of treatment is required. The doctor usually assesses the effect after each session.

In dentistry—and specifically in gnatology—TENS serves an auxiliary diagnostic purpose. After all, it is important to evaluate not only the position of the teeth but also the function of the masticatory (chewing) muscles. In certain clinical scenarios, this microcurrent procedure can enhance both the diagnostic process and treatment planning. Here is how:

• Determining the physiological position of the lower jaw when the muscles are relaxed—this helps the doctor select a muscle-relaxing or repositioning splint, if required for gnathological or other types of treatment.
• Assessing the condition of the masticatory and facial muscles—evaluating their tension levels and response to stimulation. This allows for the identification of muscular dysfunction and the development of a treatment plan tailored specifically to your case.
• Supplementing the gnathological examination—including digital occlusion diagnostics, which show how the teeth come together. This aids in evaluating the function of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and the bite in a relaxed state, free from muscle tension.
• Monitoring treatment efficacy—tracking progress and comparing muscle function and condition before and after therapy.