TMJ

"I have a missing tooth. Should I replace it?"

Yes. You should absolutely replace a missing tooth.

Depending on its location, a missing tooth can have a profound impact on the appearance of your smile. This is, however, far from the largest concern. When one or more teeth is missing, a whole host of oral health issues can follow.

TMJ, temporomandibular joint disorder, is the name given to a group of disorders that can impact the comfortable and proper alignment of the jaw. The underlying cause of TMJ is not always known, though it may be linked to:

Orthodontics address bite issues including:

• Crooked and crowded teeth
• Gaps and spacing issues
• Underbite and overbite
• Crossbite
• Overjet

If you struggle with malocclusion, you may be a good candidate for orthodontics.

Are you experiencing pain, ringing, or difficulty hearing in one or both of your ears? While the obvious cause may seem to be an ear infection, the underlying problem may actually have very little to do with your ears at all. For many, the pain or discomfort they are experiencing in their ears is the result of a misalignment with their jaw, known as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). But how can you determine what’s causing your ear pain?

TMJ disorder, also abbreviated TMD, is a condition that causes a number of painful or uncomfortable symptoms. One of the main causes of TMD is a misaligned jaw, which can happen after certain types of dental work. It can also occur due to missing or damaged teeth, which dental work can help to repair.

Many people, both adults and children, suffer from misaligned teeth. This can cause a number of problems, including issues with the jaw, problems breathing, and higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, crooked teeth are generally not considered attractive and may hurt your first impression on dates or job interviews.

Many people suffer from TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMD) symptoms, but don’t necessarily think to visit a dentist for diagnosis and treatment. However, a dentist may be the best person to identify the source of your symptoms and help you find long term relief. TMJ most often arises from a misaligned bite, which a dentist is best equipped to address.

Patient education is a cornerstone of our mission at Evolution Dental. Dr. Kendra Schick is committed to helping every patient fully understand the details of his or her condition as well as the treatment she recommends. We care about you and want you to make informed decisions about the direction of your dental care.

This blog is an extension of that commitment to education. Here, we hope to provide you with information about a number of topics related to the health, maintenance and well-being of your oral structure and general well-being.