C. S. Gonçalo, J. G. Quispe-Cabanillas and N. F. Barros
Medical School, of the University of Campinas

Series: Dental Science, Materials and Technology
BISAC: MED016000

With the increasing incorporation of Oriental models of health care in the West, the perspective of action by professionals in this area has changed and broadened. In the case of dentistry the need to practice it considering a holistic view of the human being has heightened the search for alternative, complementary and integrated treatment options. This perspective has broken the predominant paradigm in which dentists and their spectrum of professional activity have been exclusively conditioned by manual dexterity and the mechanics used in performing operative procedures. This book presents and extensive literature review of meridians, points, benefits and limitations of acupuncture applied to dentistry.

The data were obtaine by means of reading complete works from various countries, written by different authors: Wen (1995), Gonzalez (1999), Cobos and Vas (2000), Yamamura (2001), Stux and Pomeranz (2004), Lian (2005), Zhixian and Cols. (2005) and Maciocia (2007). Around 200 acupoints for dental action and over sixty types of affections directly linked to the dentist’s area of activity were found. Tables containing combinations of body points have been structured. Three auricular maps have been organized. The findings indicate positive results in the treatment of Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD), Xerostomia, Tinnitus and Obstructive sleep apnea.

The main limitations of acupuncture in dentistry mentioned in the researched literature refer to the variations in response to acupunctural stimulation; unsatisfactory response presented by certain patients; contraindications and reduced results. This study attained its objective of presenting a literature review on the main meridians and points of acupuncture used in dentistry, as well as the benefits and limitations of this therapy. Bearing in mind the scarcity of publications related to this topic, the authors believe that the present review could facilitate the search for knowledge about acupuncture applied to dentistry. (Imprint: Nova)