Dental implants are one of the most reliable and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth, capable of restoring a smile’s appearance as well as its functionality. But if you grind or clench your teeth, a condition known as bruxism, it’s important to understand how this habit can affect the success of your dental implants. Fortunately, with the right precautions and care, patients with bruxism can still enjoy the many benefits of dental implants! Here’s what you need to know.
What Exactly Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary grinding, clinching, or gnashing of the teeth, often occurring during sleep. Over time, it can cause wear and tear on your teeth, pain and strain on the jaw joints, headaches and migraines, and even damage to dental restorations. Many people don’t realize that they grind their teeth until a dentist points out the signs, such as flattened tooth surfaces or sore jaw muscles.
How Does Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?
Dental implants rely on a strong bond between the biocompatible titanium post and your jawbone tissue; this occurs thanks to a process called osseointegration. It’s what allows the implant post to take on the role of your tooth’s root, granting it the stability it needs to thrive. It also ensures that the underlying jawbone receives stimulation, which it needs to remain full and strong.
If you grind or clench your teeth, you’re exposing your dental implant posts—as well as the custom-made restorations on top—to excess pressure and wear. And although dental implants are quite durable, they aren’t indestructible. This habit can increase the risk of implant failure, especially during the crucial osseointegration phase, as well as once the implants have healed.
How Can I Minimize These Risks?
Not all patients are aware they have bruxism, but during your dental implant consultation, one of the things your provider will do is closely examine your jaw. If you’ve been dealing with uncomfortable symptoms, such as jaw pain, tightness, headaches, or wear on your remaining teeth, it usually indicates the condition’s presence.
Bruxism can often be treated with the use of a custom-made mouthguard worn at night that fits comfortably over the teeth and prevents them from grinding. Certain lifestyle changes and exercise techniques can also loosen the jaw and help to relieve those strained, overworked muscles. Once you and your dentist have put together a treatment plan for managing your bruxism, the focus can be shifted to your dental implants.
Fortunately, having bruxism does not eliminate dental implants as a restorative choice for you! With a little planning and coordination between you and your dentist, it’s possible to prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding while also enjoying a newly restored smile with dental implants.
About the Practice
Our team here at Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery has been helping patients in Burke, Reston, and Alexandria for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including dental implant placement completed under one roof. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Burke Office Telephone: (703) 425-5010.