You might benefit from dental implants if you’ve lost one or more teeth and are looking for a reliable replacement. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, these restorations include a titanium rod surgically embedded in your jawbone to function like a root for added strength and security.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, you could accidentally harm your dental implants. Continue reading to learn how this condition can impact your smile and whether it interferes with your treatment!
How Does Bruxism Impact My Oral Health?
Do you wake up in the morning with a stiff or sore jaw? If so, you might be subconsciously clenching your upper and lower arches together while you sleep. Such chronic teeth grinding, also called bruxism, typically impacts patients while they’re snoozing at night but can also occur during the day. Either way, it’s infamous for harming your dental health.
For instance, all the added pressure can wear down your enamel unevenly or prematurely, increasing your vulnerability to tooth decay and damage. It also frequently contributes to the development of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders that result in a sore or locked jaw. Finally, it can potentially push your remaining teeth out of alignment, further increasing the likelihood of developing cavities or other injuries.
Does Bruxism Harm Dental Implants?
Dental implants are not comprised of the same organic materials as enamel, so there’s no need to worry about cavities. However, for your new teeth to be successful, your jaw must generate enough new bone growth to fuse with the titanium rod in a process called osseointegration. If this stage of recovery isn’t completed successfully, your restoration is more likely to fail.
Unfortunately, teeth grinding can put too much stress on the metal rod placed in your jaw, which erodes the surrounding connective and bone tissues. Furthermore, you might chip or crack the tooth-colored prosthetic placed on top of it.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Grind My Teeth?
If you have bruxism and have lost natural teeth, it’s normal to wonder whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants. Thankfully, your condition doesn’t necessarily preclude you from undergoing the procedure, but you will need to take additional precautions to care for your implants.
For instance, you might need to undergo an additional bone graft procedure to bulk up your jawbone enough to prevent teeth grinding from wearing it down too quickly. Your dentist will likely also want to provide a custom-fitted nightguard to provide a much-needed layer of cushion between your upper and lower arches while you sleep.
If you’re still unsure whether dental implants are right for you, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Evan Pedersen is passionate about helping patients improve their daily quality of life by enhancing their oral health. After graduating at the top of his class at the University of Central Florida, he achieved his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the prestigious Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Today, he has more than a decade of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including dental implants. He partners with the best local surgeons for accurate placement, then provides lifelike restorations to rebuild your smile. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (512) 777-0866.