Posted: September 29, 2024
Missing teeth can lead to more than just a gap in your smile—they can also trigger significant jaw pain and discomfort. Many people don't realize the impact that the absence of a tooth can have. When one or more teeth are missing, it can seriously disrupt the alignment of a person’s bite and cause chronic jaw pain. The good news is that dental implants can restore your smile and alleviate your discomfort.
How Missing Teeth Affect Your TMJ
When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift out of position. This movement affects the natural balance of your bite. The jaw is designed to work in harmony with teeth, and when teeth are missing, it creates an uneven distribution of force. The resulting imbalance can lead to strain on the jaw joint, as the jaw muscles overcompensate to make up for the missing teeth. Over time, this excess pressure can cause inflammation and pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
In addition to bite misalignment, missing teeth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone in that area begins to deteriorate, leading to a weakening of the bone structure. This can further contribute to TMJ issues, as the jaw becomes less stable and more prone to dysfunction.
How Dental Implants Can Help
Dental implants are one of the most effective solutions for replacing missing teeth and restoring the natural function of your jaw. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants are surgically placed into the jawbone, providing a permanent solution that mimics the look and function of a natural tooth. This can have a positive impact on TMJ pain in several ways:
Restoring Bite Alignment
By replacing missing teeth, dental implants help restore the balance of your bite. This reduces the strain on your TMJ by ensuring that the force of your bite is evenly distributed across all of your teeth. With proper bite alignment, the jaw joint no longer has to overcompensate, which can help relieve TMJ pain and prevent further damage to the joint.
Preventing Bone Loss
One of the key benefits of dental implants is their ability to stimulate the jawbone, preventing the bone loss that typically occurs after a tooth is lost. This is important for maintaining the overall structure and strength of your jaw, which can help improve TMJ function and reduce the risk of further complications.
Improving Overall Jaw Function
Dental implants are designed to function like natural teeth, allowing you to chew, speak, and move your jaw with ease. By restoring full dental functionality, implants can alleviate the additional stress that missing teeth place on the TMJ. This improved function can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
Other Benefits of Dental Implants
In addition to alleviating TMJ pain, dental implants offer several other benefits. They improve your ability to eat and speak, boost your confidence by restoring your smile, and are a long-lasting solution that can last a lifetime with proper care. Plus, dental implants don’t slip or need to be removed for cleaning, making them a more convenient and comfortable option.
Dental implants also improve the aesthetics of your smile by filling in gaps and preventing the sunken appearance that can result from missing teeth. This can have a positive impact on both your physical appearance and your self-esteem.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re struggling with TMJ pain and have missing teeth, dental implants may provide the relief you need. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our office via our contact form or by calling 403-407-5730.
*all procedures performed at our practice by a general dentist
