scholarly journals Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: A Review of Dental Applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaibhav Pandita ◽  
Vidya Ajila ◽  
G. Subhas Babu ◽  
Shruthi Hegde ◽  
Mohamed Faizal Asan
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Pediatric Dentistry ◽  
Salivary Secretion ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Inhibitory Neurons ◽  
Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Orofacial Region ◽  
The Central Nervous System

AbstractTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS is a nonpharmacologic method that is used to alleviate pain from various acute and chronic conditions. TENS works through activation of descending inhibitory neurons of the central nervous system. In dentistry, TENS has applications for pain reduction in temporomandibular disorders and postherpetic neuralgia. It has also been studied for its role in increasing salivary secretion in subjects with xerostomia and as a local anesthetic agent in pediatric dentistry. Its wide applications in the orofacial region make it an important treatment modality. The purpose of the present review was to describe the general principles and its applications in dentistry along with its indications, advantages, and disadvantages. A web-based search was conducted using the keywords “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” “temporomandibular joint,” “TENS,” “TMJ,” “orofacial pain,” and “Management.” The manuscripts thus obtained were evaluated and used for compiling the present narrative review. The present review focuses on the mechanism of action, applications, and effectiveness of TENS in the management of diseases of the maxillofacial region.

scholarly journals Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: Mechanisms, Clinical Application and Evidence

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Experience ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Large Diameter ◽  
Cell Activity ◽  
Electrical Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Relieve Pain ◽  
The Central Nervous System

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, inexpensive, self-administered technique to relieve pain. • There are few side effects and no potential for overdose so patients can titrate the treatment as required. • TENS techniques include conventional TENS, acupuncture-like TENS and intense TENS. In general, conventional TENS is used in the first instance. • The purpose of conventional TENS is to selectively activate large diameter non-noxious afferents (A-beta) to reduce nociceptor cell activity and sensitization at a segmental level in the central nervous system. • Pain relief with conventional TENS is rapid in onset and offset and is maximal when the patient experiences a strong but non-painful paraesthesia beneath the electrodes. Therefore, patients may need to administer TENS throughout the day. • Clinical experience suggests that TENS may be beneficial as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for acute pain although systematic reviews are conflicting. Clinical experience and systematic reviews suggest that TENS is beneficial for chronic pain.

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