Are you suffering from bruxism? This condition is the medical term to describe repetitive teeth grinding or clenching. There are several reasons why this can occur, but the most common include stress, missing teeth, and misalignment. If you are missing teeth, you may be worried about potential issues with bruxism and dental implants in Round Rock. Read on as your dentist explains concerns and what you can do.
What’s the Issue with Bruxism if I Have Dental Implants?
When you get dental implants, they are placed directly into the jawbone by your dentist. To be successful, they need to go through a process called osseointegration. This is when the titanium implant and jawbone fuse together to create a strong foundation for your crown. However, if you have bruxism, there is a risk that repetitive grinding and clenching can hinder this process. Ultimately, this increases your chances of experiencing dental implant failure.
Can I Get Dental Implants If I Have Bruxism?
If you are dealing with bruxism, it is important you and your dentist work this out before you have your dental implants placed. If the health and strength of your gums and jawbone have not been compromised, you will likely still be a candidate for dental implants as long as you take steps to treat the condition ahead of time.
How Is Bruxism Treated?
There are a few ways bruxism can be treated. Here are the most common:
- Stress or anxiety management: For many people, the root of their bruxism is feeling anxious or stressed. Ultimately, this can affect your teeth. By learning strategies to manage these feelings in different ways, bruxism can be controlled.
- Mouthguards and splints: These are custom-made by your dentist and worn to keep teeth separated. This way, the damage is avoided when clenching or grinding occurs. They can be constructed out of acrylic or soft materials and fit over the upper or lower teeth.
- Dental correction: In more severe cases, your dentist may need to reshape some of the chewing surfaces of your teeth or use crowns to repair previous damage.
Just because you have bruxism doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot replace your missing teeth with dental implants. By discussing concerns with your dentist in Round Rock and addressing the issue, you may be on your way towards restoring your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Mike Asay earned his dental doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry and he’s a member of the American Dental Association. He has an uncanny ability to help patients feel at ease and is a great listener. He had a good family friend who was a dentist, and it inspired him to take this professional path. If you need advice on bruxism and dental implants in Round Rock, Dr. Asay can discuss every aspect of this awesome tooth-replacement option during a consultation which you can schedule on his website or by calling (512) 244-2796.