Can You Get Dental Implants If You Grind Your Teeth?
Missing teeth can be a major obstacle that impacts your ability to enjoy meals, communicate clearly, and fully participate in social activities. Fortunately, dental implants offer a remarkable solution that closely resembles the appearance and functionality of your natural teeth. Dental implants can be a solution that replaces a single tooth, multiple teeth, or all of your teeth making them a great option for a variety of people. However, it is important to note that not everyone may qualify as an ideal candidate for this transformative treatment. Various health conditions and habits, such as teeth grinding, can potentially increase the risk of implant failure.
Although teeth grinding does not automatically prevent you from receiving dental implants, it can negatively impact the healing process and how long the implants last. To ensure you have all the necessary information, we will discuss the relationship between implants and teeth grinding and tell you everything you need to know about the two.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth. They provide a natural-looking, durable replacement that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance. During a dental implant procedure, a dentist surgically places the implant into the jawbone and allows it to heal and integrate.
When the healing process is complete, an abutment is placed on top of the implant, and a crown, bridge, or denture can be attached for better aesthetics and function. Implants offer superior stability compared to other tooth replacement options such as dentures since they don’t rely on surrounding teeth for support. Thus, they can be used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth without compromising the integrity of the smile. This makes them the ideal solution for most people struggling with missing teeth.
Understanding Teeth Grinding
Grinding your teeth, medically referred to as bruxism, often goes unnoticed by many individuals. This condition frequently occurs during sleep, leading to symptoms like a tightened jaw, headaches, and an overall feeling of unrest upon waking up. It is important to note that teeth grinding is often linked to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring meaning that it could be a sign of a separate condition as well.
If left untreated, bruxism can cause harm to your teeth and result in jaw disorders. This can exacerbate the headaches and pain you may currently be suffering from. To address this issue, we recommend consulting your dentist during your next checkup. Be sure to ask your dentist to check for signs of bruxism, particularly if you are experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms.
There are multiple treatment options available for bruxism, such as mouth guards, splints, and dental correction procedures. It is also advisable to make lifestyle changes to effectively deal with stress and anxiety, as these factors can contribute to bruxism. In cases where sleep apnea or other disorders are the underlying causes of bruxism, addressing and treating these conditions can often alleviate teeth grinding.
Teeth Grinding and Dental Implants
It is possible to receive approval for dental implants even if you suffer from teeth grinding, however, it is highly recommended to address and resolve this issue prior to undergoing the placement of the implants. Bruxism has the potential to disrupt the healing process of the implants in your jawbone.
When implants are placed, metal roots that resemble screws are inserted into the jawbone. It is essential for the jawbone to heal and integrate with these roots, a process known as osseointegration, in order for the implant to be successful. Patients are required to wait until the jawbone has fully healed before the implant can be attached to the implant root. Exerting too much force on implant roots due to grinding can significantly prolong the healing process or even completely hinder it. Taking steps to address the causes of bruxism, like stress and sleep apnea, will not only enhance your overall health but also contribute to better oral health!
Crown Dental is Here To Help
Not sure if you’d be a good candidate for dental implants because of teeth grinding? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact Crown Dental for a consultation. We can assess your oral health and address any concerns you may have regarding the relationship between teeth grinding and dental implants. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing all our patients with quality care that helps them achieve healthy smiles! We look forward to hearing from you and hope to get you on the path to a smile you can feel good about.