When you’re trying to figure out how you should replace your missing teeth, dental implants can be a very attractive option. However, people who grind their teeth are often concerned that they won’t be good candidates for the procedure. What kind of impact can teeth grinding have on dental implants? Will it prevent you from having them placed at all? Here’s what you need to know before you move forward with the process of rebuilding your smile.
How Teeth Grinding Can Cause Problems for Dental Implants
Bruxism is a condition that causes you to unconsciously grind and clench your teeth. It often occurs while you are asleep and unable to directly control what your jaw is doing. Left untreated, it can significantly wear down your teeth and may even ultimately cause them to fracture.
So how can bruxism affect dental implants? When you first have your implant posts placed, they will gradually form a lasting bond with the jawbone thanks to a natural process called osseointegration. However, if you grind and clench your teeth, the posts will be exposed to an excessive amount of pressure. This can interfere with osseointegration, thus increasing the chances of your dental implants failing.
Untreated bruxism can also significantly damage your dental implants over time. While dental implant posts are highly durable, they can still break if they are constantly exposed to the pressures of clenching and grinding.
Are Dental Implants Still a Viable Option for People with Bruxism?
Even if you grind your teeth, there’s still a chance that you can qualify for dental implants. That said, you will need to take steps to address your bruxism in order to keep the risk of dental implants failing to a minimum.
In many cases, your dentist may provide you with a nightguard. If you wear this oral appliance while you’re asleep, it will keep the upper and lower rows of teeth separated. This protects your dental implants (and the rest of your smile) from the excessive pressure associated with bruxism.
It’s worth noting that teeth grinding is often linked to stress. As such, it may be beneficial to take steps to lower your stress levels. Practicing yoga or reducing your caffeine intake can often help. It may also be a good idea to lighten your schedule whenever possible, set aside time to visit friends or family, and try to avoid the triggers that cause stress.
In short, if you grind your teeth, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on getting dental implants. If you speak to your dentist, they can determine whether dental implants are right for you and help you develop a strategy for keeping your bruxism under control.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lavery studied at the New Jersey Dental School, which is now known as the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. To keep his dental knowledge up to date, he has completed over a thousand hours of continuing education. Over the course of his career, he has placed hundreds of implants in order to help his patients reclaim complete, functional smiles. If you are interested in dental implants or have concerns about bruxism, you can schedule an appointment at Dr. Brian Lavery Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Mercerville by visiting his website or calling (609) 588-5600.very Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Mercerville by visiting his website or calling (609) 588-5600.