Can You Still Get Dental Implants if You Grind Your Teeth?

If you have missing teeth, you are not alone; it’s estimated that more than 120 million Americans struggle with tooth loss. One of the most long-lasting ways to restore your teeth is with dental implants. Since they replace your teeth from root to crown, your jaw and gums will need to be stable and in good condition for implants to be successful. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), you may be wondering if they are still a possibility for you. Read on to learn more about dental implants and bruxism.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a common oral health condition where you repetitively grind or clench your teeth. Unfortunately, it can go undiagnosed for years since it mostly occurs at night while you sleep. A few common symptoms include jaw soreness, worn-down teeth, and frequent headaches. Although the causes may vary, stress, misalignment problems, and missing teeth are the most common. If left untreated, the damage can worsen and affect your dental health.

How Can Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a unique tooth-loss solution because it is the only ones that are inserted directly into the jawbone. To be successful, they need to go through a process called “osseointegration.” This is when the biocompatible titanium posts and jawbone fuse together to create a strong foundation for your crown, bridge, or denture. However, if you have bruxism, there is a risk that the repetitive grinding and clenching of your teeth can interfere with the process. Ultimately, this increases your risk of experiencing dental implant failure.

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Bruxism?

Yes, you still can, as long as your gums and jawbone are still healthy and strong and your bruxism is being treated! Your dentist can determine how much your teeth grinding has affected your oral health and help you manage the condition. Once steps have been taken to minimize your bruxism ahead of time, you will likely still make a good candidate for dental implants.

How Is Bruxism Treated?

There are a few different ways that bruxism can be treated. Here are the most common:

• Stress/Anxiety Management: For many people, the root of their bruxism is the fact that they are feeling anxious or stressed. By learning strategies to manage these feelings in different ways, bruxism can be reduced.
• Mouth Guards and Splints: These are custom-made by your dentist and are worn to keep the teeth separated as you sleep. As a result, further harm is avoided when clenching or grinding takes place.

• Dental Correction: In severe cases, your dentist may need to slightly reshape some of the chewing surfaces of the teeth or use crowns to repair previous damage.

By discussing your concerns with your dentist and addressing bruxism, you will be on your way to restoring the appearance and function of your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar and his team at Aguilar Family Dentistry have been giving Denton bright smiles for many years. With a 5-star rating on Google, their goal is to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile! They can assist you with any of your restoration needs, including dental implants. If you would like to schedule a consultation or need assistance with your tooth replacement, contact them through their website or call (940) 566-5332.