Tooth loss is an unfortunate oral health issue that can impact your overall oral health and confidence. Dental implants provide a permanent solution for the replacement of one or more missing teeth, restoring dental function and appearance. Although dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth, some conditions can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Bruxism is of particular concern when it comes to the success of dental implant treatment. In patient consultations, Dr. Kalil Abide explains the risk of dental implant failure and bruxism. Contact our Jackson, MS office to receive your personal consultation and to find out if dental implants are right for your needs.Tooth loss is an unfortunate oral health issue that can impact your overall oral health and confidence. Dental implants provide a permanent solution for the replacement of one or more missing teeth, restoring dental function and appearance. Although dental implants are one of the best options for replacing missing teeth, some conditions can increase the risk of dental implant failure. Bruxism is of particular concern when it comes to the success of dental implant treatment. In patient consultations, Dr. Kalil Abide explains the risk of dental implant failure and bruxism. Contact our Jackson, MS office to receive your personal consultation and to find out if dental implants are right for your needs.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which the teeth repeatedly grind against one another. Bruxism places great strain and pressure on the teeth and jaw, and can cause the teeth to wear unevenly, fracture, or suffer other damage. Bruxism often occurs while sleeping, and as a result, may go undiagnosed for years. Chronic teeth grinding may be caused by stress, previous tooth loss, or alignment problems.
Bruxism and the Increased Risk of Dental Implant Failure
Unfortunately, bruxism does increase the risk of dental implant failure. This is because dental implant success depends on a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is a gradual process in which the jawbone heals around the dental implant and forms a permanent bond. Full osseointegration can take several months to complete, during which time it’s important to avoid placing too much pressure or strain on the teeth. When teeth grinding or clenching occurs regularly during the recovery process, osseointegration may not occur, causing the dental implant to fail.
Candidates for Dental Implant Treatment
Although bruxism increases the risk of dental implant failure, many who suffer from bruxism still qualify as candidates for dental implant treatment. However, extra precautions will need to be taken by those with bruxism when undergoing dental implant treatment in order to reduce the risk of failure. Steps will need to be taken to prevent and control teeth grinding and clenching while the jaw heals. We may recommend that you wear a custom-made mouth guard while sleeping. Mouth guards help protect the teeth and reduce the risk of dental implant failure. In addition to taking precautions to alleviate bruxism, candidates for dental implant treatment should also:
- Be in good general health: Dental implant treatment requires minor oral surgery. Ideal candidates should be healthy enough to undergo surgery and be free of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Be a non-smoker: Smoking, like bruxism, increases the risk of dental implant failure. Candidates for dental implant treatment should be non-smokers, or willing to give up smoking prior to surgery and throughout the recovery process, which can take several months.
- Suffer from one or more missing teeth: Dental implants may be paired with dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures to replace one or more missing teeth.
Have sufficient jawbone: Dental implants are surgically placed within the jawbone. Candidates for dental implant treatment must have sufficient jawbone to support implant placement. Those who don’t may require a bone graft to rebuild the jaw before dental implant treatment can be performed.
Which Treatments Are Right for You?
For answers to your questions about dental implants and bruxism, or to learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abide.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a condition in which the teeth repeatedly grind against one another. Bruxism places great strain and pressure on the teeth and jaw, and can cause the teeth to wear unevenly, fracture, or suffer other damage. Bruxism often occurs while sleeping, and as a result, may go undiagnosed for years. Chronic teeth grinding may be caused by stress, previous tooth loss, or alignment problems.
Bruxism and the Increased Risk of Dental Implant Failure
Unfortunately, bruxism does increase the risk of dental implant failure. This is because dental implant success depends on a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration is a gradual process in which the jawbone heals around the dental implant and forms a permanent bond. Full osseointegration can take several months to complete, during which time it’s important to avoid placing too much pressure or strain on the teeth. When teeth grinding or clenching occurs regularly during the recovery process, osseointegration may not occur, causing the dental implant to fail.
Candidates for Dental Implant Treatment
Although bruxism increases the risk of dental implant failure, many who suffer from bruxism still qualify as candidates for dental implant treatment. However, extra precautions will need to be taken by those with bruxism when undergoing dental implant treatment in order to reduce the risk of failure. Steps will need to be taken to prevent and control teeth grinding and clenching while the jaw heals. We may recommend that you wear a custom-made mouth guard while sleeping. Mouth guards help protect the teeth and reduce the risk of dental implant failure. In addition to taking precautions to alleviate bruxism, candidates for dental implant treatment should also:
- Be in good general health: Dental implant treatment requires minor oral surgery. Ideal candidates should be healthy enough to undergo surgery and be free of medical conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or uncontrolled diabetes.
- Be a non-smoker: Smoking, like bruxism, increases the risk of dental implant failure. Candidates for dental implant treatment should be non-smokers, or willing to give up smoking prior to surgery and throughout the recovery process, which can take several months.
- Suffer from one or more missing teeth: Dental implants may be paired with dental crowns, implant-supported bridges, or implant-supported dentures to replace one or more missing teeth.
Have sufficient jawbone: Dental implants are surgically placed within the jawbone. Candidates for dental implant treatment must have sufficient jawbone to support implant placement. Those who don’t may require a bone graft to rebuild the jaw before dental implant treatment can be performed.
Which Treatments Are Right for You?
For answers to your questions about dental implants and bruxism, or to learn more about your treatment options, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Abide.