If you’re considering dental implants for missing teeth or as a treatment for Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ), you’re in the right place. Dr. Adam Hahn, a leading TMJ/TMD dentist in Columbia, South Carolina, has successfully treated many patients with jaw pain and bite misalignment caused by TMJ dysfunction. You can read their success stories in our patient profiles section on our website.

Not only do dental implants restore missing teeth, but they also play a significant role in TMD treatment. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is one of the hardest-working joints in the body, allowing movement in three different directions: up and down, side to side, and forward and backward. When these joints are overworked or stressed, they may cause painful symptoms that worsen over time. Dr. Hahn and the team at Smile Columbia Dentistry create treatments designed to relieve TMJ pain and restore proper bite alignment.

If you experience dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry to ensure your visit is relaxing and stress-free. Let us know if you’d like to learn more about these options.

Dental Implants and TMJ Dysfunction Treatment

Dental implants not only restore missing teeth but also help support healthy jaw function. By providing stability and preventing tooth shifting, implants maintain proper bite alignment—reducing stress on the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Patients often experience improved comfort, balanced jaw movement, and better long-term oral stability.

How Missing Teeth Affect the TMJ

When teeth are lost, the jaw’s natural balance changes. This imbalance can strain the TMJ and cause pain, headaches, or muscle tension. Dental implants restore alignment, stimulate bone health, and provide lasting support for comfortable jaw function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Dental implants can help relieve TMJ disorder symptoms by restoring proper bite alignment and jaw balance. When missing teeth are replaced, it reduces strain on the temporomandibular joint, helping minimize jaw pain, clicking, and headaches.

When placed correctly, dental implants should not worsen TMJ pain. At Smile Columbia Dentistry, Dr. Adam Hahn evaluates jaw position and bite alignment before placement to ensure your implants improve comfort and function—not add stress to the joint.

Many patients begin to notice less jaw tension and improved comfort once healing begins and their bite stabilizes. Full relief often occurs after the final restoration is placed and jaw alignment is fully balanced.

Yes. Dentures can shift or create uneven bite pressure, which may worsen TMJ symptoms. Dental implants provide a secure foundation, support natural chewing motion, and maintain proper jaw alignment—making them the healthier long-term choice for TMJ stability.

The process begins with a consultation, where Dr. Hahn evaluates your TMJ symptoms and bite alignment using advanced digital imaging. During implant surgery, titanium posts are placed in the jawbone to act as artificial roots. Over time, the implants fuse with the bone—a process called osseointegration—creating a solid foundation. Once healed, custom restorations such as crowns or bridges are attached, completing your new, functional smile and supporting long-term TMJ comfort.

Yes. For patients who experience anxiety or discomfort, Smile Columbia Dentistry in Columbia, SC offers sedation options to make implant and TMJ treatments calm and stress-free. You can relax comfortably while Dr. Hahn restores your smile and bite.

The Connection Between TMJ and Bite Issues

Many patients don’t realize that TMJ dysfunction is closely linked to bite misalignment. A poor bite can put uneven pressure on the jaw joint, leading to chronic headaches, jaw pain, and difficulty chewing. By restoring missing teeth, dental implants help correct bite alignment, reducing stress on the TMJ and relieving symptoms.

Patients with severe TMD may also benefit from a combination of dental implants and occlusal adjustments, ensuring that jaw positioning is optimal for long-term relief. Dr. Hahn will assess your case to determine the most effective approach.

Additional Oral Health Benefits of Dental Implants

Beyond TMJ treatment, dental implants improve overall oral health:

  • Natural Chewing Ability: Eat comfortably without compensating for missing teeth.
  • Lower Risk of Tooth Decay & Gum Disease: Empty sockets harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
  • Prevent Further Tooth Loss: All-on-X® dental implants maintain jawbone health, reducing the risk of additional bone deterioration.
  • Enhanced Speech: Many patients experience slurred speech or difficulty enunciating with missing teeth or ill-fitting dentures. Dental implants restore clear and confident speech.
  • No Need for Adhesives: Unlike dentures, implants are permanent and do not require messy adhesives to stay in place.
  • Better Facial Structure Support: Missing teeth can lead to sunken facial features over time. Dental implants preserve bone structure, maintaining a youthful and full appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants for TMJ Treatment?

Most patients experiencing jaw pain and missing teeth can benefit from dental implants. You may be a good candidate if:

  • You have one or more missing teeth affecting your bite alignment.
  • You suffer from chronic jaw pain, headaches, or clicking sounds in your jaw.
  • You experience difficulty chewing due to an uneven bite.
  • You have sufficient jawbone density to support implants (or are willing to undergo a bone graft if necessary).
  • You’re looking for a long-term, permanent solution to restore function and comfort.

Dr. Hahn will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine if dental implants are the right solution for you.

Contact Our Columbia, South Carolina TMJ Dentist

If you’d like to learn more about dental implants for TMJ treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Adam Hahn. Call (803) 781-9090 to take the next step toward pain relief and a restored smile today!