Grinding of teeth, also known as bruxing, can result in tooth damage and sensitivity, leading to a range of issues. When people are suffering from high levels of stress, a common occurrence is the grinding of teeth while they’re sleeping. In rare instances, some may even brux while conscious.
Complications from Tooth Grinding
Apart from oral sensitivity and direct damage to teeth, bruxing can contribute to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ as it is more commonly referred to. This is experienced in the form of severe headaches and/or limited jawbone functionality. This can be due to joint-adjacent muscles spasming due to tooth grinding.
The other common complication from tooth grinding in dental implant patients is the loosening of the implant crowns. In these cases, due to the constant mechanical stress caused by the grinding, the prosthetic screws that connect the screw-retained crowns or the abutment to the implant may become loose. Fortnutately, retightening of these screws is performed simply by our implantologists.
In more severe cases of bruxing, porcelain crowns can fracture and potentially lead to bone loss around the implant.
Treatment of Tooth Grinding in London
Bruxing can lead to significant damage to your teeth; therefore, it is advised that anyone experiencing some unexpected discomfort of, or surrounding their teeth book an appointment with a dentist. If upon consultation you are diagnosed with bruxism there needn’t be cause for concern, as Marylebone Implant Centre offers a range of treatments to lessen the uncomfortable effects of tooth grinding.
Our most common treatment method is custom-made nightguards (Michigan Splints) for patients to wear while sleeping. Depending on each bruxism case, our implantologist may advise on muscle relaxant medication or a course of physiotherapy. These alternative treatments may be individual or used in conjunction with a nightguard. Learn more about dental implants in London.