Cosmetic Dentistry Blog of Dr Sussman & Pogal

Dental implants are one of the strongest and long-lasting tooth replacement options available. Though technically dental implants can last forever, the longevity of your treatment will depend on a variety of factors. 

While many implants can last for a lifetime when properly cared for, dental implants can also fail for an assortment of reasons including:

• Periodontal disease – Whether this was the original reason for your natural tooth loss or a new condition, periodontal disease can hinder the performance of your implant.
• Jaw trauma – If you suffer an injury to the jaw, your implant can dislodge.
• Bite issues – A severely misaligned bite can place tension and stress on dental implants that can ultimately cause them to fail.

Additionally, when you use dental implant restoration, you are not only replacing your tooth’s natural root with an implant, but you are also replacing the tooth itself with a crown. Though crowns are generally expected to last for about a decade, they do not typically last for a lifetime. Fortunately, if your crown fails but your dental implant remains intact, the procedure to replace the crown is relatively quick and straightforward.

If you have additional questions or concerns about dental implants in Rochester or you would like to know if you are a dental implant candidate, contact the office of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal at 585-227-4390 today.

Athletes of any age know about the importance of proper safety gear. Helmets and pads protect players from concussions, broken bones, and other injuries that could take them out of the game. When you're picking out equipment, it's also important to have the right protection for your jaw, including the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ controls movement in the jaw. Impact from an injury, such as trauma sustained in a collision with another player, can cause the joint to become misaligned, resulting in headaches, ear pain, difficulty chewing, and other symptoms.

As spring begins and many different sports seasons get underway, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons hosts National Facial Protection Month every April. The observance is an opportunity to remind adults and kids about the importance of proper head- and mouthgear to prevent injury to the TMJ and other parts of the face.

If you or your child plays contact sports, a custom mouth guard can help absorb the impact from a blow and reduce trauma to the jaw. Some sports might necessitate additional facial protection, including:

• Football: All players should wear a helmet with facemask

• Baseball: Players at bat should wear a helmet, while catchers and umpires should wear a full facemask

• Hockey: All players should wear a helmet; goalies should wear a helmet with facemask

• Lacrosse: All players should wear helmets with a facemask visor

• Boxing, wrestling, and other martial arts: Participants should wear padded headgear

For athletes, the right gear is essential for preventing a sports-related injury. However, if you suspect you're suffering from TMJ pain due to an accident on the field, our Rochester dentists can perform a thorough examination to determine if your jaw is out of alignment.

To learn more about TMJ treatment options in Rochester, please call the office of Dr. Paul Sussman and Dr. Meredith Pogal at 585-227-4390 today.

Misalignment of the jaw joint can lead to dysfunction of the bite and intense pain in the face, neck, and shoulder. If you suffer from chronic headaches and jaw pain, Rochester dentist Dr. Paul Sussman can perform a comprehensive evaluation for TMJ disorder.

During your consultation, Dr. Sussman will review your medical history and ask questions about the type of pain you're experiencing, where the pain occurs, the frequency of the pain, and more. Additional tests might include:

• Assessment of how well your bite fits together
• Listening to the joint for noises such as clicks, pops, or grating
• Examining your jaw as you open and close your mouth, move your jaw back and forth, and slide it side to side
• Checking for signs of teeth grinding
• X-ray imaging of the jaw area
• Analysis of the bite with a K7 Evaluation System

The K7 system serves multiple purposes in diagnosing TMJ. It enables Dr. Sussman to track and record the movement of your jaw, monitor muscle activity, and detect vibrations created by the joints.

Individualized attention is a core principle of our Rochester dental practice. TMJ dysfunction can be misdiagnosed as another condition, which is why Dr. Sussman spends a great deal of time conducting a thorough, complete exam to help patients with frequent jaw pain find relief.

For more information about TMJ diagnosis, please call 585-227-4390 today to arrange a consultation with Dr. Sussman. We are pleased to see patients in Rochester and the surrounding communities.