Missing teeth can lead to TMJ disorder. Find out if dental implants are the right solution for you. If you have missing teeth and don’t replace them with dental implants, you can develop temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Developing TMJ can become a very serious and painful problem. The temporomandibular joints are primarily crucial to making your jaw work as they should. Your jaw joints allow your jaw to open and close to eat, speak, and perform other necessary functions. One of the first indications of TM is often a pain in the jaw, neck, or facial muscles. Other common symptoms include headaches, cracking, or popping sounds when opening your mouth, ear pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms call your dentist right away. Dr. Kaveh Kanani has been helping patients with his painless, drill-less, flap-less dental implant procedure for years. If you have missing teeth, Dr. Kanani can help. Keep reading to determine if dental implants can be the right solution for you.

DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR TMJ DISORDER: WHAT IS TMJ?

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint is the joint that exists in front of your ears on both sides of your head. The joint connects your jaw to the rest of your skull, allowing it to move as it needs to. The temporomandibular joint allows us to move our mouths to eat, yawn, and speak. However, several things can damage the joint and surrounding bone and tissue. When we cause damage to the temporomandibular joint, we develop TMJ disorder.

WHY DOES TMJ INCREASE IN PATIENTS WHO NEED DENTAL IMPLANTS?

TMJ increases in people who need dental implants because missing teeth can cause misalignment of the jawbones. Missing teeth also create an uneven biting surface that can cause stress to the jaw joints. The best option for treating TMJ is likely having dental work done, including dental implants.

Other reasons you may develop TMJ include:

– Stress

– Unconscious grinding of your teeth

– Hereditary factors

Many reasons for TMJ disorder also have to do with jaw injuries or rheumatic diseases that affect the joints, such as arthritis. Tension in your head and neck can also be contributing factors, along with constant tongue thrusting. Poor-fitting dentures can also be a cause of aggravation in the mouth and jaw, leading to TMJ disorder.

DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR TMJ DISORDER : ARE TMJ DISORDERS COMMON?

It’s difficult to determine how many people suffer from TMJ disorders as they often go untreated or undiagnosed. However, when you take into account those who are suffering from the problem, it’s a common issue. In general, TMJ disorder affects more women than men, but it can happen to anyone.

DENTAL IMPLANTS FOR TMJ DISORDER: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TMJ DISORDER?

If you have TMJ disorder, you’re likely experiencing chronic pain and aching in the face, ears, neck, and jaw. Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

– Locking of your jaw

– Popping or grinding teeth while chewing

– Swelling that occurs on the sides of your face

– Feeling as if your upper and lower teeth don’t fit properly

HOW CAN TMJ DISORDERS BE DIAGNOSED?

It can sometimes be challenging to determine if you have TMJ disorder or something else based on joint issues. However, if you begin to experience any of the above symptoms, you should see your dentist right away. Dr. Kanani will review your medical history and complete a physical oral exam, looking for:

– Pops

– Clicks

– Grinding sounds in your jaw

The above are typical characteristics of a TMJ disorder. If the dentist cannot determine if you have TMJ, he’ll perform a test with an X-ray. The X-ray will allow your dentist a closer look at your jaw, its joints, and the surrounding facial structure. Additionally, your dentist may also want to do an MRI scan to see the position of the jaw joint and determine if it’s misshapen or out of place. Additionally, a CT scan can show the bone structure supporting the jaw joint.

HOW CAN TMJ DISORDER BE TREATED?

The severity of your disorder and the pain you’re experiencing will determine the type of treatment your dentist recommends. If your issue is primarily inflammation, your dentist can prescribe medication to help the swelling and pain subside. However, if the trigger of your disorder is stress, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed. Stress can sometimes be the cause of lockjaw.

Additionally, if teeth grinding or clenching is your issue, your dentist may prescribe a mouthpiece. Wearing a mouthpiece can keep your upper and lower teeth from touching. Preventing your upper and lower teeth from touching will decrease the damage you’re experiencing to your teeth and gums. A mouthpiece can also help alleviate the stress put on the jaw.

HOW CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS HELP TREAT TMJ DISORDERS?

If you live with missing teeth for a long time, your jaw will become even more misaligned. TMJ pain from minor to severe is often a result of our jaw and surrounding muscles failing to work together. When you’re missing teeth, it adds stress on your facial muscles. When your facial muscles experience stress, it can cause improper opening and closing of your jaw. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants can restore proper alignment, making it a potential option to treat TMJ disorder.

The first step to get dental implants is to schedule an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Kanani. The trusted Tarzana dentist will take X-rays and impressions of your jaw and teeth and explain his dental implants process. Dr. Kanani will also answer any questions you have about treating your TMJ disorder with dental implants.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM DR. KANANI’S DENTAL IMPLANTS PROCESS?

If you get dental implants for TMJ, disorder Dr. Kanani will utilize his painless, drill-less, flap-less bone expansion method. Dr. Kanani’s dental implants process replaces the roots of your missing tooth. One of the most critical factors to increase jawbone stability and improve TMJ symptoms is to replace the missing tooth. Dr. Kanani’s dental implants process is minimally invasive and more cost-effective than traditional dental implants procedures. To learn more about Dr. Kanani’s dental implants treatment for TMJ disorder, call us today for a free consultation.