Dental implants are the most durable dental restoration available. They can withstand any type of food you throw at them, and are almost as tough as natural teeth. However, there are some oral health complications that can cause them to fail. Bruxism is one such condition. Fortunately, it’s one that is easily treatable! Here’s what you should know.
What is Bruxism?
“Bruxism” is a fancy word for grinding and clenching your teeth. To a certain extent, this habit is fairly normal. You might grind your pearly whites together when you’re stressed, for example, or clench them while carrying something heavy. But chronic bruxism can prematurely wear down your natural teeth, and can cause dental implant complications – especially if you’re grinding or clenching in your sleep!
How Does Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?
In order to properly support your smile, dental implants have to spend some time fusing with your jawbone. This process is known as “osseointegration,” and it can be quite delicate. Pressure from chewing overly hard or crunchy foods can interfere with osseointegration – as can pressure from chronic bruxism. If grinding or clenching your teeth prevents the implant and bone from merging, then your dental implant could come loose.
Protecting Your Dental Implants from Bruxism
It can be hard to stop yourself from engaging in a bad habit. Many patients don’t even realize when they’re grinding or clenching their teeth. Your dentist, however, can help you protect your dental implants and natural teeth with a customized nightguard. Like a mouthguard, a nightguard will soften physical impact being exerted on your pearly whites. Unlike a mouthguard, though, you’ll primarily wear it at night while you sleep!
Do I Have Bruxism?
Sometimes, bruxism is obvious. You might catch yourself red-handed, or maybe you’re realizing this is probably the reason your jaw hurts so frequently. Other times, it’s harder for the average person to detect. Fortunately, your dentist can identify signs of bruxism during a routine oral exam. If you’re thinking about getting dental implants or have had them recently placed, ask your dentist about a custom nightguard. They’ll be happy to help you protect your smile!
About the Author
After graduating from dental school, Dr. Viet “Vince” Tran completed his residency at the Orlando Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Orlando. His experience there honed his skills in many advanced treatments, including dental implants. Dr. Vince knows how important it is to have a full, functional smile, and won’t just build a treatment plan – he’ll make sure that each step of the dental implant process will promote the success and longevity of your restoration. If you’re concerned about how bruxism could be affecting your dental implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Vince at 281-493-0061.