Can Bruxism Lead to Dental Implant Failure?

Adult tooth loss is a serious dental complication that should be addressed as soon as possible. The sooner tooth loss is addressed, the less impact it will have on adjacent teeth and overall oral health. Dental restorations help patients maintain the strength and structure of the mouth and avoid compromising oral functions. Dental implants fuse with the jawbone and offer the most durable and stable anchor for dental restorations. This is why they are such a popular treatment option amongst Dr. Andrew Glenn’s patients. However, it is important that dental implants fuse with the jawbone. If fusion does not occur, dental implant failure will result. There are some conditions that can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Dental implant failure and bruxism is a concern for many of our Lincoln patients. Here, Dr. Glenn discusses the effects of bruxism on dental implant failure and how these risks can be avoided.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is not a very familiar dental term, even though a great number of patients experience this oral health condition. Bruxism is the medical term that is used to describe repetitive teeth grinding or clenching. Bruxism may be the result of stress, misalignment problems, or missing teeth. Bruxism places excessive pressure on the teeth and can cause them to become worn down or damaged as a result. Unfortunately, bruxism often occurs at night while a patient sleeps, making it difficult to control without professional treatment.

Bruxism and Dental Implant Failure

The key to dental implant success is osseointegration. This is the process in which tissue from the jawbone fuses with the dental implant. This is a gradual process that takes several months. While this fusion occurs, it is important to avoid placing the teeth under excessive pressure. This is why bruxism can increase the risk of dental implant failure for patients. If a patient repeatedly grinds or clenches his or her teeth while they are recovering from the first stage of dental implant treatment, it is possible that osseointegration will not occur, thus compromising the success of treatment.

Am I Still a Dental Implant Candidate?

Because of the increased risk of dental implant failure in patients who suffer from bruxism, it is normal for patients who experience this condition to question whether they are ideal dental implant candidates. As long as the health and strength of the gums and jaw have not been compromised by bruxism, then dental implants can still be a success. However, patients will have to take certain precautions to avoid teeth grinding and clenching. In most cases, a custom fit mouth guard that is worn while a patient sleeps is enough to keep bruxism under control. However, stretching and relaxation techniques can also be beneficial in avoiding this harmful habit.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have suffered from tooth loss and would like to learn more about dental implants, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Dr. Andrew Glenn can discuss this treatment in further detail and determine if dental implant treatment is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

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