Today’s dental implants are the best tooth replacements, but even they can’t withstand everything. A bad case of bruxism will often put them at risk and lead to treatment failure. With that said, you’ll want to know how to manage this issue before you get any implant posts. The good news is that your Tulsa dentist is here to help you do so. Now, just keep reading to learn about the negative link between bruxism and dental implants.
Wait, What’s Bruxism?
Before you get to the bruxism-implant connection, you’ll need to know what bruxism is. The rest of this summary won’t make sense otherwise.
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, often unconsciously. It’s usually caused by high stress and anxiety that prompt tension in your jaws. However, the condition can also stem from dental misalignments, missing teeth, and other such factors.
Grinding your teeth is quite bad for your long-term oral health. The habit puts pressure on your teeth that wears down their enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of tooth decay. It also tends to occur while you sleep, so it’s hard to control without professional help.
Why is It Bad for Dental Implants?
Despite their durability, dental implants have innate limits. A habit of bruxism can strain them to the point that they suffer implant failure.
It goes back to how dental implants are designed. If you grind or clench your teeth a lot, the fusion process that keeps them stable could be delayed or prevented entirely. The grinding could also damage or break the implant itself from excessive pressure. In that latter case, you’d need a replacement post even if the fusion was still proceeding.
How Can You Minimize Its Risks?
To keep bruxism from harming your dental implants, do the following:
- Be Mindful – Regularly check yourself to see if you’re clenching your jaw. If you are, relax your jaw muscles and return them to their proper positions.
- Use a Mouthguard – Try wearing a custom mouthguard while you sleep. With this device, you’d keep yourself from grinding your teeth at night.
- Get Stronger Posts – Some practices offer dental implants made of very strong zirconia. If you have the option, get these kinds.
- Lower Your Stress Levels – Practice anti-stress and anti-anxiety tips to avoid unconscious bruxism. These practices could include regular stretches, avoiding caffeine after dinner, etc.
Bruxism and dental implants have a bad relationship, but your teeth grinding doesn’t have to ruin treatment. Consult your dental provider about ways to control the habit.
About the Practice
O’Brien Dental Wellness Center is based in Tulsa, OK. Led by Dr. Michael O’Brien himself, our practice is a reputable source of traditional and holistic dentistry. Patients can trust us for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative smile treatments, as well as emergency procedures and ozone work. This range of services ensures your whole body thrives, not just your grin! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (918)-477-9000.