Dental Implants and Bruxism - Important Information for Patients
When you're missing a tooth or multiple teeth, there are plenty of options to consider that can improve your overall dental health. Your cosmetic dentist can go over all of these options in full detail, though in general, one of the most ideal options to consider for care is the use of dental implants.
Our team believes that dental implants can be of benefit to many patients, though there are dental health issues that may affect the effectiveness of dental implants therapy. One dental health issue that can pose a problem is bruxism (tooth grinding). Let's take a moment right now to consider why this is the case and what you ought to understand about the matter.
About Dental Implants
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically embedded into the jawbone and gum tissue of a patient. When in place, these artificial tooth roots are perfect for holding dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures with remarkable strength.
In order to have dental implants placed, it's important that a patient has sufficient bone density and gum tissue density in place. Grafting procedures can be performed in order to build up the bone tissue and gum tissue as needed.
What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the gnashing, grinding, and clenching of the teeth that occurs when a patient is asleep. This is usually the result of poor dental alignment, disallowing the teeth from finding a good at-rest position. Stress can also cause or contribute to bruxism.
The constant shifting of the teeth and the gnashing motion involved can place pressure on the teeth as well as the jaw joint. In fact, bruxism is a leading cause of TMJ disorders, which are characterized by the clicking, locking, and popping of the jaw joint.
Why Bruxism Can Affect Dental Implants Treatment
When a person grinds his or her teeth, it creates a large amount of pressure on the various structures within the mouth. This includes the dental implants as well as the dental appliance that is supported by the dental implants. This amount of force exceeds that which is exerted during regular biting and chewing, and it can cause damage to the teeth, the dental appliance, and the bone and gum tissue around the dental implant.
How Bruxism Can Be Treated
Thankfully bruxism can be treated, and it doesn't need to be an impediment to getting dental implants placed.
A patient may be asked to wear a night guard when they sleep, which is a special retainer that prevents contact of the upper and lower teeth. This reduces the amount of strain on the jaw as well as damage done to the teeth and related structures.
If bruxism occurs as a result of malocclusion, orthodontic care may be considered as this will allow the mouth to find a proper at-rest position during sleep.
In cases where stress is the cause or a contributing factor to bruxism, relaxation techniques are an ideal option to consider. By relieving stress, the grinding is minimized or eliminated.
Learn More About Advanced Implant Dentistry
If you would like to learn more about dental implants and your many other options out there for advanced dental care treatment, be sure to contact our Brooklyn Heights cosmetic dentistry center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the very best results with regard to your overall dental health.
