Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Bruxism?

Do you have bruxism? Bruxism is a medical term that is used to describe repetitive teeth grinding or clenching. There are many causes of bruxism, but the most common include stress and misalignment issues. If you are missing teeth, you may be worried about how having bruxism can affect your ability to get dental implants. Here’s what you should know.

How Does Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?

When you get dental implants, they are placed directly into the jawbone by your dentist. Then, the osseointegration” process takes place. This is when the titanium dental implant and jawbone fuse together to build a strong foundation for your restoration. However, if you have bruxism, there is a risk that repetitive grinding and checking can get in the way of this process, increasing your risk of experiencing a dental implant failure.

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Bruxism?

If you have bruxism, it’s important that you and your dentist put together a plan before you have your implants placed. After the health and strength of your gums and jawbone are sufficient, you will likely still be a good candidate for the procedure. By taking steps with your dentist to manage bruxism before moving forward with the dental implant process, you can reduce your likelihood of complications.

How Can Bruxism Be Treated?

There are various ways that bruxism can be addressed. Here are the common methods that work:

• Stress or Anxiety Management: For many people, the root cause of their bruxism is anxiousness or stress. Ultimately, this can result in negative effects of the teeth. By learning strategies to manage these feelings, your bruxism symptoms can improve.
• Nightguards for Bruxism: These custom-made appliances are designed by your dentist to protect your teeth while you sleep. This way, damage is avoided when you have the urge to clench or grind your teeth. These guards can be crafted from acrylic or soft materials to fit over the upper and lower teeth.
• Dental Correction: In severe cases, your dentist may need to reshape some of the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use crowns to repair previous damage.

Bruxism doesn’t completely rule you out from getting dental implants. By discussing your concerns with your dentist, you can work together to create a plan that’s right for you. You’ll be showing off a complete smile in just a matter of time!

About the Practice

At The DFW Dental Implant Center, Dr. Steven Branberg and Dr. Eric Cancemi work together to serve patients in the Colleyville community. They complete the entire dental implant treatment process under one roof and offer various sedation options for a comfortable procedure. To learn more about dental implants or bruxism, or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (817) 440-7133.