Protecting Your Dental Implants by Managing Bruxism

Losing a tooth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. Dental implants are the best solution for this problem, but if you also grind your teeth, there can understandably be a bit of apprehension in seeking out the treatment.

After all, dental implants are a big expenditure, and bruxism (the clinical term for impulsive teeth grinding) can put that investment at risk. Read on to learn about steps you can take to manage your bruxism and keep your implants healthy.

How Does Bruxism Affect Dental Implants?

Dental implants rely on the successful integration of dental implants with the surrounding bone, a process known as osseointegration. Once new bone grows around the implant post, it becomes anchored in place.

During osseointegration, it’s important that dental implant posts remain stable. Dental implants are less resilient to the forces of consistent grinding.

Any unwanted movement could disrupt the process and increase the risk of implant failure.

How Can Bruxism Be Treated?

Typically, bruxism is managed by employing nightguards. These are custom-fit mouthguards that keep the top and bottom teeth separated while you sleep to prevent them from grinding.

Nightguards are generally crafted from durable acrylic, so they won’t harm your teeth as you bite down on them. The material effectively spreads your bite force over a larger surface area to lessen the impact.

To further alleviate your bruxism, you can try to explore the reasons why you may grind your teeth. Notice when you do it most often. The grinding action often accompanies stress and anxiety, so try to reduce these influences on your mind whenever possible.

Additionally, there are other lifestyle adjustments you could consider. For instance, avoiding the consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea after dinner, as well as limiting alcohol intake in the evening.

Ask Your Dentist About Specifically Designed Implants

Yet another option is talking with your dentist about the design of your implant.

• The implant can be placed on a wider post to spread the force of your bite over a wider area.
• Your implant can be shaped so that it doesn’t come into complete contact with your other teeth.
• The material your dental implant is made of can impact its durability.

While the presence of bruxism can pose challenges if you’re seeking dental implant treatment, it frequently remains a viable option. Using a nightguard and ensuring the proper design of your implant can help mitigate the disorder and help preserve your smile for many years.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, a team of three very skilled and welcoming dentists awaits to help you on your dental journey. Dr. Peery, Jr., Dr. Peery III, and Dr. Woolwine are passionate about providing comprehensive care to all their patients with the latest in dental technology. To schedule a same-day emergency appointment, call (434) 847-5331 or visit the website to learn more.