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Do you have pain or discomfort in your jaw? Do you have a difficult time chewing? If this sounds familiar, then you may have TMJ, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. With November being National TMJ Awareness Month, there’s no better time than now to check the health and comfort of your jaw. You may be wondering, what TMJ is and how it affects the individual. The temporomandibular joint acts as a hinge that connects your jaw to the temporal bones of your skull, which are located in front of each ear. This movement is pivotal in being able to move your jaw around to talk, chew, and yawn. Many individuals have problems with this joint, which is where the name of the disorder, temporomandibular joint disorder, came from. This disorder causes discomfort and sometimes pain, and can even require surgery in extreme cases. Approximately 12% of the US population, or 35 million people are affected by TMJ, with more than 3 million new cases occurring per year. The pain and discomfort you experience with the disorder does not have to continue, as there are a number of treatments available. Solutions for TMJ Symptoms The first step in alleviating any discomfort associated with TMJ is to visit a dentist, who will give you the best possible options to help with the symptoms. Do not try and self-diagnose the problem, as jaw soreness could be something much more severe in rare cases. Here is a quick overview of possible options: Over-the-counter medication Applying ice or moist heat to the jaw Wearing a bite splint or bite plate Eating soft foods The above solutions are mainly temporary solutions for individuals who do not have a severe case of TMJ. These methods can be extremely effective for the right person, but in more severe cases, other options will need to be explored. Can Dental Implants Help with TMJ? Your dentist may recommend dental implants in order to alleviate pain caused by TMJ. Primarily, if someone has been in an accident where they took a blow to the face/jaw area, they may feel soreness or pain in their jaw and dental implants could be a recommended solution. Dental implants are also a common solution for tooth loss, and replacing missing teeth with implants is a common fix. For example, one of our patients was in a motorcycle accident where their teeth were damaged during the crash. This change in their tooth structure caused soreness and pain due to an uneven bite, and over-the-counter medication would not suffice. We recommended dental implants and the damaged teeth were replaced to even out their bite. Frequently Asked Dental Implant Questions Many questions may arise regarding dental implants: is the procedure painful? Will they have an affect on what I can eat? These common questions, as well as a few others, will be answered below, as dental implants usually raise some concern and uneasiness in unfamiliar patients. That’s understandable; any alterations to your mouth should normally raise some questions. Dental implants are a safe alternative to missing and damaged teeth. They’ve been in practice for over 30 years, and placing an implant after a tooth extraction is very common and beneficial. How do dental implants work? Titanium posts, similar to a tooth root, are positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line. Dental crowns are then mounted on these posts, creating a stable and secure fit. Similar to permanent teeth, a dental implant will not come loose under normal conditions. Will they look similar to natural teeth? Yes, implants resemble natural teeth. Even if you have some implants and some natural teeth, they will be indistinguishable in most cases. How long will implants last? Implants will last as long as you care for them. Like natural teeth, implants need to be properly maintained. Colgate mentions a few oral tips in order to care for your implants: Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss once daily. Treat them as if they were natural teeth. Quit smoking: Smoking is harmful to your oral health and can contribute to implant failure, if you continue to smoke. Maintain a consistent check up schedule: Cleaning and exams every six months are a reliable way of ensuring your implants are in good condition. Avoid chewing on hard foods: Ice and hard candy can break your implants, so be cautious or avoid biting down on anything with a harder consistency. As previously stated, it’s important to treat your implants like natural teeth. Since dental implants are an investment, it would be wise to treat them like natural teeth to achieve full functionality of your smile. What types of dental implants exist? There are a few options when considering dental implants. As stated, many patients have both natural teeth and dental implants. Individuals can also obtain a complete set of implants, depending on their situation and what the dentist recommends. Complete implant supported dentures are usually recommended if the individual has severe tooth/oral damage, or if they haven’t properly maintained good oral hygiene for a number of years. Since TMJ can be caused by an imbalance, tooth loss, or shift in bite, replacing your missing teeth could be a good solution in reducing pain and fixing your bite. Be sure to speak with Dr. Eugene Stanislaus about all your available options. Let us Help You At Brooklyn Heights Dental, we specialize in implant, cosmetic, and general dentistry. Whether it be a single tooth or a whole setup of implants, Dr. Eugene Stanislaus and his team will ensure you are properly taken care of, and can guarantee the best solution to all of your dental needs. If you have any jaw, tooth, or general oral soreness, contact us to set up an appointment. Remember, any discomfort or soreness should be addressed, as a small problem could grow more severe if not properly treated.