This past year has been a challenging time for many families and individuals. While people deal with stress in many different ways, it sometimes causes unconscious teeth grinding teeth at night. Also known as bruxism, repetitive teeth grinding can lead to a number of serious health problems – including dental implant failure! Are you considering implant treatment to restore your smile? Keep reading to learn more about bruxism and dental implants in West Bloomfield.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is a common condition in which a person repeatedly and often unconsciously clenches their jaw or grinds their teeth. According to the Sleep Foundation, around 15% of adolescents and nearly 10% of middle-aged adults are affected by bruxism. Stress, anxiety, bite problems, crooked teeth, or sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can all cause bruxism.
Do you think you might grind your teeth at night but are not sure? Because teeth grinding often happens while a person is asleep, many people do not even realize they are affected by bruxism. Here are some common signs and symptoms of the condition:
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Dull headaches when you wake up
- Sore jaw, neck, or face
- Tired or tight jaw muscles, which may make it hard to open your mouth
- Flattened, fractured, chipped, or loose teeth
- Trouble sleeping through the night
How Bruxism Impacts Dental Implants
The key to successful implant treatment is a natural process called “osseointegration”. This is when the dental implant, over the course of several months, fuses directly with the surrounding jawbone. By integrating with the bone, dental implants are able to provide outstanding support to crowns, bridges, and implant dentures.
However, bruxism poses a threat to osseointegration. The excessive pressure from grinding teeth every night can prevent a dental implant from fully healing and fusing with the jawbone. In fact, although dental implants have a high success rate of up to 95%, bruxism is one of the leading causes of implant failure.
How to Minimize Risks Related to Bruxism
If you have recently had dental implants placed, you can take certain steps to prevent bruxism from interfering with the healing process. First, you should ask your dentist about wearing a custom mouthguard at night. Mouthguards from a dental professional can reduce pressure on the jaw and protect your teeth. In addition, certain stretching and relaxation techniques can help lower the stress and anxiety that may be causing your bruxism in the first place.
Am I Still a Dental Implant Candidate?
Even if you grind your teeth at night, you may still be a candidate for dental implants in West Bloomfield. The best way to find out is to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced implant dentist. They will examine your teeth and mouth to confirm that the health and strength of your gums and jawbone have not been compromised by bruxism.
While bruxism is a serious condition, it shouldn’t stop you from reclaiming a full, attractive smile. Talk to your dentist today to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental implants.
About the Practice
LakeView Family Dental provides comprehensive oral care to residents in West Bloomfield Township and the surrounding area. With five talented dentists on staff, they are able to provide start-to-finish implant treatment under a single roof. To learn more about bruxism and dental implants in West Bloomfield, visit the LakeView Family Dental website or call 248-363-3304.