Are Dental Implants Possible with Bruxism?

Bruxism and dental implants are two terms that do not seem as if they should go together. After all, teeth grinding isn’t exactly the type of problem you want to have after spending valuable time and money on expensive tooth replacement surgery. Fortunately, you can repair and rebuild your smile with implants even if you suffer from teeth grinding and clenching, but it’s necessary you seek the necessary help first. A local expert weighs in on the topic and explains what you can do to treat bruxism and move forward with a longer-lasting, life-changing smile.

How Untreated Bruxism Can Cause Problems for Dental Implants

Dental implants must properly fuse with your jawbone and surrounding tissues during osseointegration. This is how you can expect your new teeth to remain firmly in place for a lifetime. It takes ample time recovering at home for this process to be complete, giving you a solid foundation for your customized restoration (i.e., crown, bridge, denture). However, if you suffer from bruxism and do not seek treatment before you have dental implant surgery, you can be putting your smile and your wallet at risk.

Yes, you will have greater functionality when speaking and eating once your implants are in place; however, during the healing process, especially, any added pressure placed on these prosthetics can cause one or more posts to dislodge and ultimately fail. If you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth, it’s vital that you inquire about a trusted solution to treat your bruxism before losing time and money on your implants.

How is Bruxism Treated?

One of the most common methods of treatment for bruxism is an oral appliance. As you apply pressure to your teeth, not only will your tooth enamel begin to wear down and break over time, but you may also experience chronic jaw pain that results in discomfort throughout your head, neck, and shoulders. By having your dentist prepare a customized nightguard, you can better protect your teeth and facial muscles from pain as well as excessive wear and tear.

These unique oral devices are fabricated using the highest quality materials and are comfortable to wear throughout the night. It will serve as a barrier between your teeth, keeping them from coming into contact with each other and giving your jaw muscles a break from the clenching motion.

In combination with a nightguard, however, it is important that you seek ways to minimize the cause of your bruxism, if possible. If you are grinding your teeth because of a misalignment issue or facial trauma, you will need to seek treatment right away. But if your teeth grinding is the result of added stress in your life, make sure to find ways to relax. Whether it is reading a book, taking a walk, talking with a counselor, or exercising, these lifestyle changes and techniques can make a dramatic difference in the health and future of your smile, especially when living with dental implants.

About the Author
Dr. Christopher Holland earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1990. With more than 25 years of experience working in the field, he and the team at New Image Dentistry can help you feel more confident in your smile thanks to dental implants. Proven to provide patients with optimal results, these titanium posts are designed to last a lifetime with proper maintenance. This is why if you are living with bruxism, it is imperative that you seek necessary treatment to avoid damaging your implants and your smile. If you suffer from teeth grinding and need assistance, visit our website or call (210) 804-1558.