Dental Implant Tips for Patients With Bruxism
It’s common to have questions about the dental implant process if you’re considering such a procedure, and some of these questions often surround related dental conditions and whether they will impact your implants. A common example here is bruxism, or regular grinding of the teeth – can those with bruxism get dental implants? Do they have to care for them in different ways than other people?
At Bynum Aesthetic Dentistry, we’re happy to offer a wide range of dental implant services for patients around Simpsonville, SC and nearby areas. Both Drs. Bynum and Matz have extensive experience and reputation in aesthetic and restorative dentistry areas, including membership in several major dentistry organizations plus years of providing quality services to patients. The answer to the first question above is yes, people with bruxism can and regularly do receive dental implants – but some recommendations will often come with such a procedure. Let’s dig in further and find out what anyone with bruxism should know if they’re receiving dental implants in the near future.
Understanding Bruxism
For those who are unfamiliar, bruxism is a condition that causes people to grind their teeth during sleep or while awake. It can occur due to various factors, including stress, sleep disorders, and certain medications. Over time, continuous grinding can wear down teeth and lead to other dental issues such as jaw pain, headaches, and damaged restorations.
If ignored, bruxism can affect the success of tooth implants. Therefore, it’s essential to address this condition before undergoing any dental implant procedure.
Precautions for Patients with Bruxism
If you have bruxism and are planning on getting dental implants, your dentist will likely recommend taking precautions to protect both your implants and remaining natural teeth.
Some possible recommendations may include:
- Wearing a night guard: Your dentist may suggest wearing a custom-made night guard to protect your implants and natural teeth from damage caused by grinding.
- Regular check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist will allow them to monitor the condition of both your implants and remaining natural teeth for any signs of damage or wear.
- Adjusting bite force: In some cases, bruxism can cause excessive pressure on certain teeth, leading to damage. Your dentist may adjust your bite force through orthodontic treatment or other methods to help prevent this.
- Using a softer toothbrush: People with bruxism may benefit from using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding hard foods that could potentially damage their implants.
Having bruxism doesn’t mean you can’t have dental implants. However, it’s essential to follow your dentist’s recommendations and take necessary precautions to ensure the success and longevity of your implants.
At Bynum Aesthetic Dentistry, we are committed to providing high-quality dental implant services and personalized care for all our patients around Simpsonville, SC and nearby areas. If you have any questions or concerns about getting dental implants with bruxism, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and ensures the success of your dental implants.