After getting a new implant bridge in late June, my upper and lower teeth don’t meet when I chew on the right side of my mouth. Also, my jaws are sore when I wake up in the morning. After getting the bridge, I felt jaw soreness, and my dentist adjusted my bite, but something is still wrong. I am anxious about whether I need more dental work or a new bridge. Will you please tell me what my dentist might recommend for the problems with my bridge so I can anticipate it or know whether to get a second opinion? Thank you. Nichelle from SC
Nichelle,
Thank you for your question.
A new dental bridge should not misalign your bite. It takes advanced training for a dentist to restore dental implants with a bridge and achieve a balanced bite.
Why Is a New Implant Bridge Causing Jaw Soreness?
When a new implant bridge causes jaw soreness and your bite is off, the implants are in the wrong position, or your dentist incorrectly placed the bridge.
- Bridge placement – Your dentist may have placed the bridge incorrectly or not secured it well.
- Incorrect implant placement – Highly skilled restorative dentists make a surgical guide for the oral surgeon or periodontist to place your implants precisely. Without the guide, a surgeon may place the implants in the wrong position, and the crowns or dental bridge will not fit. Miscommunication with the surgeon can lead to a misaligned bite.
Schedule an Implant Bridge Second Opinion
We recommend finding a restorative dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite for a second opinion on your implant bridge. The dentist will examine your implants and bridge to determine if they are mismatched.
If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, you can request a refund for these reasons:
- Your dental bridge does not function well.
- Your jaw soreness suggests you are beginning to experience TMJ disorder
- An advanced implant dentist gave you a second opinion and found the cause of your discomfort.
Request your dental records before switching dentists. Your new dentist may be willing to help you get a refund if your current dentist is uncooperative.
Metairie, Louisiana dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.
