A diagram of dental implant at Periodontal Associates.

Dental implants are a highly effective solution for lost teeth. Crowns mimic natural teeth in their form and function and titanium posts bond with and stimulate your jaw bone, allowing the Dental Implants to act just like a natural tooth would.

Unfortunately, implants can occasionally fail, and if this happens we will need you to come in so we can repair or replace them.

The Structure of an Implant

Most dental implants are made of a titanium post that is embedded in the jaw bone, a ceramic crown that acts as a replacement tooth and an abutment that connects the post and the crown. If one of these parts loosens or breaks, all three can become compromised.

Titanium is usually chosen for implants because it bonds with the jaw bone in a process known as osseointegration. If this process doesn't occur properly then you'll end up with an implant that isn't firmly in place. This will lead to problems later on.

Signs that an Implant May Fail

If the bone doesn't grow around the implant in the right way, mobility is often the primary signal that the implant may fail. This mobility is often very slight at first and usually only a dentist can see it, but as time goes on an implant that hasn't integrated properly can shift when you chew or speak. Implants that have failed completely with frequently.

Other warnings signs of impending failure include pain, inflammation, and infection, but these do not always occur. If Dr. Eshraghi notices that your implant is moving, he may conduct an x-ray to make sure the bone is growing. If the implant is failing, the x-ray may reveal considerable bone loss around the metal area.

Repair and Replacement

In cases where the implant crown becomes cracked or detached, it is an easy matter for us to attach a new, or make any other repairs if necessary. However, if the damage to the implant is too severe, we will need to remove and replace it.

It is easy for us to remove a failed dental implant, but we will need to use a local anesthetic for this procedure. Once the implant is removed Dr. Eshraghi will carefully clean the area. Then we can begin the process of inserting a new implant, making careful note of what went wrong the first time. If there is enough healthy bone in the same area, we won't need a bone graft.

However, in cases of significant bone loss, we may need to place a bone graft to improve the site of the removed implant before placing a new one. Once the bone graft is complete, your mouth may need several months to heal before we can put in a new implant. During the healing period, Dr. Eshraghi may ask you to quit smoking, postpone cancer treatment or make other lifestyle adjustments that will reduce the risk of the next implant failing as well.

Always remember to take good care of your implants by brushing and flossing daily. Also take care to eat a balanced diet and abstain from using your teeth as tools, as this can chip them. If you experience any problems with your Dental Implants, contact us right away.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please give us a call at (971) 317-8414.

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Reliable Dental Solutions for TMJ and Bruxism Problems

Involuntary teeth grinding and clenching is a common condition that affects many people. However, out of those affected, a small number experience excessive grinding and clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism, if left untreated, can lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems, which can result in several other dental problems. At Periodontal Associates, we offer several dental solutions to help treat TMJ and bruxism problems, thus preventing them from having an adverse impact on your dental health.

Understanding TMJ and Bruxism Problems

Bruxism, as already mentioned above, is the involuntary grinding and clenching of the teeth. The involuntary action happens when your brain is preoccupied, for example, when you are working or when you are sleeping. The grinding and clenching are usually forceful, which results in excessive pressure being applied on the teeth, which in turn, is transmitted to the jawbone. Therefore, grinding can ultimately result in temporomandibular joint problems - pain and discomfort in the jawbone.

While bruxism is the main cause of TMJ problems, the dysfunction of the jawbone can be brought about a traumatic dental injury.

Problems Caused by TMJ and Bruxism Conditions

TMJ and Bruxism problems can have an adverse impact on your dental and overall health. Some of the problems brought about by these conditions include:

•	Extreme pain and discomfort in the jawbone, which can make it hard to properly open your mouth, talk, laugh or even chew food.
•	A toothache, broken or cracked teeth, or worn out teeth due to the excessive force applied during grinding and clenching.
•	Neck and back pain. The stress from bruxism can also spread to the neck and back areas.
•	Headaches and migraines, which are a common side effect of bruxism and temporomandibular joint dysfunction.
•	Earaches and sinus problems.

The pain and discomfort caused by these problems can greatly affect the quality of your life. For example, it can be hard to eat, talk, walk, or even perform various tasks due to the pain. It is thus important to seek immediate dental care when suffering from any of these conditions.

Available Treatment Options

TMJ and Bruxism problems can be treated following proper diagnosis. Since there are several treatment solutions available, diagnosis also helps to select the proper treatment plan. Depending on your condition a treatment solution, or combination of treatments, will be chosen to:

•	Reduce or eliminate the pain.
•	Restore the proper jaw and teeth function.
•	Ease the discomfort, thus allowing you to enjoy normal daily activities.
•	Treat the root cause of the problem.

Some of the most common treatment solutions used in treating TMJ and bruxism problems include:

•	Occlusal splints treatment. Occlusal splints are teeth guards that are used on bruxism patients to protect the teeth from damage during the night. They also help to reduce the stress applied to the jawbone, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
•	Orthodontic treatment. TMJ and bruxism problems can be caused by bite problems or improper teeth positions. Orthodontic treatments can thus help to fix these problems.
•	Jaw surgery. In cases where the damage to the teeth and jawbone is severe, surgery can help to restore the proper jaw function. Jaw surgery can also help to reduce or completely stop incidences of bruxism.
•	Teeth restoration solution. The stress caused by grinding and clenching can cause extensive damage to the teeth. In such cases, teeth restoration solutions such as dental implants or implant-supported bridges can help to restore proper teeth function. However, other treatment solutions to stop or reduce bruxism are required before you can get teeth replacement treatments.

FAQs

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep or when a person is focused on a task. This condition can put excessive pressure on teeth and the jawbone, leading to discomfort and potential dental problems like TMJ disorders.

What is TMJ and how is it related to bruxism?

TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. Bruxism can cause or exacerbate TMJ disorders by placing excessive stress on the jaw, leading to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with normal jaw functions like chewing and speaking.

What are the symptoms of TMJ and bruxism?

Symptoms of TMJ and bruxism include jaw pain or discomfort, headaches or migraines, toothaches, cracked or worn teeth, earaches, sinus issues, neck and back pain, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.

How are TMJ and bruxism treated?

Treatment options for TMJ and bruxism include occlusal splints (mouthguards), orthodontic treatments to correct bite issues, jaw surgery for severe cases, and teeth restoration solutions like dental implants. The chosen treatment depends on the severity and cause of the condition.

What is an occlusal splint and how does it help?

An occlusal splint is a custom-made mouthguard worn at night to protect teeth from the damage caused by grinding and clenching. It also helps reduce stress on the jaw, alleviating pain and preventing further TMJ complications.

When is jaw surgery necessary for TMJ or bruxism?

Jaw surgery may be necessary for severe cases where the damage to the jaw or teeth is extensive, or when other treatments fail to alleviate symptoms. Surgery can help restore proper jaw function and prevent future grinding or clenching episodes.

Contact Us Today!

At Periodontal Associates we can help to ease the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ and bruxism problems, thus increasing the quality of your life. Contact us today at (971) 317-8414 to find out more about the various dental solutions we can offer you.

Beaverton Office
17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150
Beaverton, OR 97006

Tualatin Office
18753 SW Martinazzi Ave
Tualatin, OR 97062

NE Portland Office
2530 NE Oregon St
Portland, OR 97232

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TMJ and Bruxism Solutions Beaverton | Periodontal Associates
We will help to ease the pain and discomfort caused by TMJ and bruxism problems, thus increasing the quality of your life. Contact us today at (971) 317-8414.
Periodontal Associates, 17895 NW Evergreen Pkwy #150 Beaverton, OR 97006 / (971) 317-8414 / portlandimplantdentistry.com / 1/25/2025 / Page Terms:dental implants Beaverton OR /