If you’ve chosen dental implants to replace your lost teeth, you’ve made a wise investment. They have over a 95% success rate and are proven to last for decades with the right care. Although it’s rare, complications can occur. You’ve probably heard about infections, bone loss, or failed osseointegration threatening their success, but bruxism is also a leading cause of failure. If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, here’s what you need to know about bruxism and dental implants.
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a condition that causes a person to grind or clench their teeth, most often at night. As a result, the subconscious habit often goes unnoticed until complications arise, like toothaches, fractures, jaw pain, or tooth loss. Not only can it damage your real teeth, but artificial ones, too. Despite your dental implants being set firmly in your jawbone, they aren’t any match for the pressure and friction caused by bruxism.
Can Bruxism Cause Implant Failure?
Untreated bruxism can cause early and late-term dental implant failure. After your implant posts have been inserted into your jaw, the surrounding bone must fuse to them through a process called osseointegration. Bruxism can affect the healing process because it can cause unwanted movements.
Dental implant failure can also occur several months or years down the road. Your natural teeth have periodontal ligaments, which gives them a little flexibility under pressure. Unfortunately, dental implants don’t have the stretchy pieces of tissue, so they are less resilient to excessive force or friction.
Whether you’ve suffered from bruxism for years or it’s a new habit, don’t wait to safeguard your dental implants. Your dentist can provide the solutions you need to protect your investment and any remaining natural teeth.
How is Bruxism Treated?
A nightguard is the quickest solution to preserve your smile. It looks like an athletic mouthguard, but you’ll wear it to bed to provide a cushion between your upper and lower arches. A nightguard is custom made from durable materials for a comfortable fit and maximum protection by absorbing the pressure from grinding.
Besides a nightguard, stress-relieving exercises can be helpful. Bruxism can be triggered by stress or anxiety. Calming your nerves and reducing daily stressors can lessen the occurrence of grinding. Yoga, reading a book, or taking a relaxing walk are great options to combat stress.
Don’t forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a checkup. They can detect bruxism complications while they are still small to prevent dental implant failure. They’ll create the personalized plan you need to ensure your investment thrives for 30 years or more.
About Dr. Hiren Patel
Dr. Patel achieved his dental degree at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has completed over 500 hours of continuing education in many specialties, including dental implants. He has earned Fellowship Status in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has a reputation you can trust to treat your tooth loss. Contact our office today to request your consultation.