Bruxism, which is otherwise known as teeth grinding and clenching, is a common problem among many adults. If it is left unchecked, it can cause serious damage over time. But what if you have one or more missing teeth? Will bruxism affect your candidacy for dental implants? This blog post provides important details about the connection between bruxism and dental implants.
How Bruxism Can Affect Dental Implants
Bruxism can adversely affect dental implants both before and after the implant placement surgery:
- Over time, teeth grinding and clenching can damage the jawbone. If this issue is severe enough, you might not have enough bone density and volume to support dental implants.
- Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Under ideal conditions, they form a strong bond with the jawbone, so they can provide a sturdy and strong base for artificial teeth. Unfortunately, the consistent pressure created by bruxism might interfere with the bonding process (known as osseointegration). Dental implant failure may result.
- Even after successful osseointegration, bruxism can still be dangerous. It may cause micromovements of the implants. These may compromise the integrity of the surrounding tissues.
Can You Still Get Dental Implants if You Grind Your Teeth?
Even if you are a bruxer, there is no need to automatically conclude that you cannot get dental implants. That is because bruxism and the issues it causes are highly treatable! Here are some key points to bear in mind:
- If your dentist identifies signs that you engage in bruxism, they may recommend that you wear a custom nightguard to place a protective barrier between your teeth while you sleep (since bruxism commonly occurs at night).
- Bruxism is associated with high stress levels. You may need to take steps to manage major stressors in your life so you are less likely to grind and clench your teeth.
- If bruxism has damaged your jawbone, a bone graft may be able to repair it to the point where it can support dental implants.
- Dental implants can improve your occlusion (bite), which might reduce the severity and frequency of your bruxism.
Bruxism can pose a big threat to dental implants, but even if you grind and clench your teeth, you should still consult with your dentist about your tooth replacement options. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Herres and Votilla at Dentistry for Life are proud to provide start-to-finish dental implant treatment. With the help of advanced technology and other resources, our team is often able to complete even very challenging cases. Regardless of whether you grind your teeth, we are ready to consult with you about dental implants! To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Lancaster, PA, office at 717-569-3911.