anyone got tmj/bruxism but not thier own teeth??

Hi @tisme, Even people who no longer have their teeth can have TMJ issues. In fact, that may be the cause of the condition. Without the teeth supporting the normal position of the jaw while chewing or resting, the muscles and tendons may not function properly due to misalignment.

Having properly fitted dentures may help with the problem during the day. Though most often wearing them at night isn’t recommended. You could seek help from a dentist to have some type of night guard constructed to help keep your jaw in position while you sleep.

There’s also the possibility of having a ‘fixed’ denture. This would entail implanting posts into your jawbone to anchor the denture in place so you have a full dentition 24/7. Here’s an article that discusses this treatment plan.
https://www.newmouth.com/dentistry/restorative/dentures/permanent/
Do you have dentures that fit properly? Do you have issues during the day while they are in place? Have you discussed any type of treatment options with your dentist?

I have a night guard but having issues with some old root canals ( one was never done right ) the dentist said its a case of removal now. with having a mouth full of mostly fillings I wondered what happens if /when I have to have the rest out?? I complained about one dentist the treatment I got , now it seems I cant get proper dental care anywhere I suspect one has talked to the others so I never know if I do need the teeth out or not.

@tisme Oh, I get you meant now! I just wasn’t on the same brainwave and misunderstood your question. Sorry about that. Ok, if your dentist is suggesting removal of teeth that have failed root canals there is a matter of replacement. It’s advisable to replace the teeth in order to maintain a proper bite. Let me discuss replacements first and then your question about bruxism or TMJ issues.

Options for replacement teeth are:
~Implants which would require an anchor placed into the bone where the tooth was lost, followed by the replacement teeth which are fixed to that anchor. They would tend to feel like your own teeth.

~Bridges are replacement teeth (crowns) which would span the gap between missing teeth. They usual require an anchor tooth on either side. Bridges are also fixed (cemented) in place so they would also feel most like your own teeth.

~Partial dentures are made from an acrylic base or nylon thermoplastic to look like natural gums, with teeth (acrylic or porcelain) imbedded in the plastic. They often have little metal attachments to help clip to the abutting teeth to hold them in place. They are removable and it’s recommended to removed the partial night. They can take a little getting used to as it is plastic and fits over the jaw, either upper or lower depending on where the teeth have been removed. Because they’re removable they won’t feel like your own teeth but most people eat just fine with them in place.

As for TMJ issues and bruxism, some of symptoms you’re experiencing may be caused by stress, your bite if it’s not articulated, etc.. A dentist can easily check this out by using a blue carbon paper called articulating paper to check the evenness of your bite.
I think your question is that if you have your teeth replaced with one of the options above, if you continue to grind your teeth what will happen. Basically the same thing you’re experiencing now. Though it is possible the replacement option will help you out in the long run. You can also wear night guards with crowns/bridges or implants.

I’m really sorry you don’t seem to be able to find a dentist you feel comfortable seeing. Having worked in the dental field over 30 years, dentist aren’t likely to talk to each other about a patient to discourage your business. They’re competitors. So basically if you’re getting the same diagnosis from a couple of dentists then their professional opinions are consistent and in agreement.

I hope I answered your questions. Did you find this helpful?

I just wondered , if you dont have any teeth ( age etc ) but grind your teeth ( when you had teeth) what happens ??

@tisme If you have teeth removed, especially molars, but don’t plan on replacing them, your bite and your jaw position changes. It will depend on how many you’re having removed.
Also, let’s say you have lower molars removed but not the uppers. If the lower teeth aren’t replaced with a prosthetic or implants, those remaining upper molars, not having anything to bite against, may also eventually fall out. It’s more complicated than that but that’s basically what can happen because teeth can shift into the empty space and bone deteriorates. And vice versa…if uppers are extracted but you have opposing lowers teeth, the lower molars tend to rise up out of the lower jaw. It’s important for teeth to occlude. (bite against each other)

If you previously ground your teeth (bruxism) before they were removed, there’s no way of telling what you will do when they’re gone. Because your entire bite will be thrown off, the jaw will close (bite together) deeper than normal. That may cause more TMJ problems and chewing food adequately may become a challenge. But you won’t have teeth to chew against so you won’t be ‘grinding’ anything. That isn’t to say that your jaw won’t be seeking a place to settle.
I found a short video that helps show what may happen when teeth are removed and not replaced. https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video;_ylt=AwrNaVGVG4JpiXcADwBXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3BpdnM-

You seem quite concerned about grinding your teeth at night. Does the mouth guard not help you? How many teeth are being removed?

@loribmt I cant have implants due to tmj and arthritis

@tisme I’m so sorry you’re having all these dental issues on top of also have arthritis. Actually arthritis can play a large part in having TMJ (temporal mandibular joint) problems. I’m going to post a link for a few articles on TMJ so that you may understand a little more about that important joint.

~From tmj.org
https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/basics/
~from Very Well Health https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-tmj-disorder-1192014

If you’re not able to have implants to replace the teeth which will be removed. You might want to consider a removable partial denture. Has your dentist talked to you about replacement teeth?

ive got very few teeth left on the bottom and a partial plate but your not supposed to wear them at night in case they come loose and u choke

@tisme, Yes it’s not advisable to wear your partial dentures at night.
I know you’re concerned about bruxism when you no longer have any teeth on your lower arch. With nothing remaining to bite against technically you won’t be dealing with bruxism (grinding your teeth). As I mentioned before, it’s difficult to know how your lower jaw will react in regards to wanting clench together. You’ll still be able to do that to a certain extent. Your lower jaw will still close but at a deeper resting point. You may initially feel some discomfort in your TMJ area as the muscles which were used to stopping short, will now be having to stretch a little further until it meets with your upper arch. But who knows, without the teeth that are bothersome right now, you may no longer have the desire to clench together.
What are you most worried about with your TMJ issues and bruxism?
Your dentist will be the person to have this discussion with. I think the best place to start is by scheduling a consultation appointment with your dentist first. We used to do that all the time for patients in the clinic where I worked. It may help ease some of your concerns and anxiety to sit down and talk it through with your dentist. To help you with that appointment write your questions and concerns down in a notebook so you can take it with you. It’s helpful referring to a note pad because it’s too easy to get side-tracked during an appointment otherwise.
Have you discussed your situation with your dentist?