There's a better way to treat chronic migraines and headaches
If you suffer from chronic migraines, you know how difficult they are to effectively diagnose and treat. The TruDenta system of diagnosis and treatment was developed to help uncover and resolve the frequently-overlooked causes behind your chronic migraines.
Uncover the hidden causes of your chronic pain
The TruDenta diagnostic process uses the latest technology to closely examines the nerves, muscles, and ligaments that surround the head, neck, and jaw to find any signs of the inflammation and chronic stress that can lead to constant headaches.
Get safe and lasting treatment from the doctors who understand your pain
If examination shows that your headaches are actually being caused by musculoskeletal problems, we can help. All TruDenta doctors have years of experience as dental professionals working with the delicate musculature of the jaw, neck, and head—a perfect background to implement TruDenta's process of progressive rehabilitation and physical therapy for the damaged joints and stressed musculature that cause chronic headaches.
Get to the root of your chronic migraines
For over 30 years, Agawam Dental Associates has served the Agawam, Southwick, and Westfield, MA communities with state-of-the-art, professional dental care. Dr. Susan Plourde and our friendly team strive to create a quiet, peaceful atmosphere where you and your family will feel at home while achieving ideal oral health.
Testimonials:
Our Doctor:
Dr. Susan Plourde
Helping people look better, feel better, and be healthier is why Dr. Susan Plourde decided to become a dentist over 30 years ago. This desire to improve the quality of life of those around her reflects in all aspects of her practice, as Dr. Plourde and her team have a passion to provide great service in a comfortable environment. Using state-of-the-art technology and a gentle touch, Dr. Plourde helps patients of all ages achieve the beautiful smile they want and the oral health they deserve.
Education and Experience
A native of the Agawam community, Dr. Plourde attended Springfield College for her undergraduate education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. She continued on to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine where she received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine.
Since completing her formal education, Dr. Plourde continues to advance her knowledge and training in the ever-changing field of dentistry. She has completed courses through the L.D. Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education in periodontics and removable prosthodontics, as well as through the Millbrook Study Club. She is a certified laser dentist and LANAP® practitioner. As it is her goal to always provide the highest quality of care to her patients, Dr. Plourde understands the vital importance of staying current in dental technology.
Professional Affiliations
American Dental Association
Valley Dental Society
Massachusetts Dental Society
Headache Cooperative of New England
Connecticut State Dental Association
Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
Outside the Office
Dr. Plourde is dedicated to all the members of her community, especially the furry four-legged ones. She is the founder and President of Feline Friends, Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves as a sanctuary of last resort, rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for cats. She is also a rabid recycler and tree hugger, vegan, and animal welfare activist.
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The TruDenta Process
Bite Force Analysis
Our proprietary T-Scan technology allows our doctors to precisely assess your mouth and jaw for dental imbalances during opening, closing, and chewing, right down to the amount and direction of the force exerted by each individual tooth.
Range of Motion Analysis
Dental imbalances often cause chronic muscle tension and inflammation, which can in turn limit your head and jaw movement. Our doctors measure and monitor the movement range of your head and jaw to more accurately determine the most effective treatment plan for your symptoms.
Headache History Form
Headaches can occur for many different reasons — in order to find the source of your headaches and determine if the TruDenta treatment process will be effective for you, your TruDenta doctor will speak with you in detail about your past headaches and their specific symptoms.
Muscle Exam
Your TruDenta doctor will locate the latent trigger points in your face and neck that restrict motion and contribute to jaw imbalances — these knots of tense muscle are often missed without a thorough examination.
Head Health Questionaire
Jaw or head trauma can cause a variety of hidden changes in the jaw, neck, and face that may later manifest as stiffness, pain, or headaches. By cataloging any possible sources of damage, your TruDenta doctor can more effectively focus your treatment plan.
Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound treatment returns circulation to chronically sore and strained muscles by providing gentle heat and increasing blood flow, while the targeted sound waves break up scar tissue and deep adhesions.
Trigger Point Therapy
Manual trigger point therapy decreases and eliminates pain and tension in latent and active trigger points by breaking up muscle knots and increasing blood flow in order to decrease inflammation.
Electrocurrent
Our transcutaneous microcurrent stimulation therapy reduces muscle spasms and their accompanying pain through low-level electrical signals. It also decreases lactic acid build-up and encourages healthy nerve stimulation.
