Bruxism is a common dental condition that is characterized by habitual grinding and clenching of the teeth. Over time, it can cause serious damage! But what if you are missing teeth and want to replace them? Will bruxism affect your candidacy for dental implants? This blog post delves into what you should know about the relationship between bruxism and dental implants.
How Bruxism Can Affect Dental Implants
Bruxism can pose a threat to dental implants both before and after they are placed in the mouth.
- If you have been grinding and clenching your teeth for a long time, it may have caused some bone loss in your jaw, which may make it difficult or impossible for your jawbone to support dental implants.
- Dental implant posts should bond with the surrounding tissue so they can act as prosthetic tooth roots. Unfortunately, the pressure created by bruxism can interfere with the bonding process. It can contribute to dental implant failure.
- Even after successful bonding of the dental implants with the jawbone, bruxism is still a danger. It can lead to micromovements of the implants that compromise the integrity of the surrounding tissue.
Can You Still Get Dental Implants if You Grind Your Teeth?
Even if you clench and grind your teeth, you should not automatically conclude that dental implants are not right for you. That is because bruxism is highly treatable! Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
- If your dentist notices signs that you clench and grind your teeth, they may provide you with a custom nightguard to place a barrier between your upper and lower dental arches when you sleep (since bruxism usually occurs at night).
- Since bruxism is often associated with high levels of stress, taking extra steps to care for your mental health may help to reduce clenching and grinding.
- If bruxism has caused damage to your jawbone, a bone graft may be able to fortify your jaw so it can support your new teeth.
- Dental implants can help you to achieve a well-aligned bite, which may reduce your risk of bruxism.
Bruxism can be dangerous for dental implants, but it is not an absolute contraindication for this form of tooth replacement. In fact, if your dentist determines that your bruxism is under control, you may be able to move forward with rebuilding a complete and strong smile.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Erin Page is an experienced implant dentist who has already helped countless patients to replace their missing teeth. Even if there are complicating factors in your case, such as bruxism, she may be able to design a treatment plan to help you achieve a healthy and complete smile. To learn more about how she and our team may be able to serve you, contact our Schenectady office at 518-374-0317.