Dental implants are touted as the most advanced tooth loss solution to ever be devised. It is a solution that provides a permanent tooth replacement option for those who have lost one tooth, as well as for those who have lost multiple – or all – teeth. Adult tooth loss is a serious dental complication that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. The ramifications of missing teeth in the mouth can be the cause of serious side effects with very damaging results. Tooth loss makes the entire mouth susceptible to serious overall oral health concerns, including bone degeneration. Dental implants help patients maintain the strength, structure, and integrity of the mouth to avoid compromising oral functions. However, while dental implants are an ideal tooth replacement solution, they are not for all patients.
Dental implant failure can be directly related to bruxism. Bruxism is the chronic grinding or clenching of the teeth. Many people suffer from bruxism during the day during stressful situations, but once the stress has passed the bruxism habits also stop. However, some people suffer from sleep bruxism, where they grind or clench their teeth constantly during their sleep. Bruxism places excessive pressure on the teeth and can cause them to become damaged and worn down. Osseointegration is the key factor to dental implant success. This is the process in which tissue from the jawbone fuses with the titanium anchors of the dental implants. It is essential that the natural teeth and the implant anchors do not receive excessive pressure while the process of osseointegration occurs.
It is important for anyone who is seeking dental implants as the replacement for missing teeth to talk with their dentist and implant specialist before treatment begins. Your dentist will have the greatest ability to determine if you suffer from sleep bruxism, thus helping to determine whether dental implants are the best choice for your tooth replacement. If you do suffer from bruxism, dental implants can still be a success. However, certain precautions will need to be taken to avoid teeth grinding and clenching. Custom mouth guards are often helpful when worn during sleep to relieve any pressure that is put on the teeth and keep bruxism under control.
If you have suffered from tooth loss and would like to learn more about dental implants, schedule an appointment with Georgia Denture & Implant Specialists at your earliest convenience. Dr. Warren Berne and Dr. John Anderson will help determine if dental implant treatment is right for you.
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