Bruxism, Sports and Dental Implants

When delaying your dental implant procedure may be advisable.

At the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre, we firmly believe that dental implants offer most patients the best option available for replacing missing teeth. Feedback from our Derby patients also shows that those who have opted for this method have no regrets about it. However, there are well acknowledged reasons why implant placement may be delayed in order to create a better outcome in the long term. The most well known of these is where there is insufficient bone into which to place the implant. A bone graft or sinus lift can be used here to restore bone density and allow a secure implant placement to proceed.

There are two other reasons though, where it may be advisable for patients to delay having a dental implant procedure.

Sporting activity

Whilst having dental implants placed is not a problem for anyone taking part in sports such as rowing or athletics; where facial contact is likely such as boxing or even football, it may be better to delay having dental implants until such a time that the sport is no longer played. In fact, many footballers still use dentures, especially for the more vulnerable front teeth, as these can be removed for the duration of the game and replaced afterwards. Dental implants are so securely held in place by integration with the jaw bone, that a direct impact would not just result in a lost tooth, but could actually result in much more significant damage to the jaw itself. Of course, a gum shield is always sensible but even then, it may be worth considering the risk and discussing this with us before the implant treatment goes ahead.

Bruxism

Patients who grind their teeth, especially whilst sleeping when it is hard to control, are probably best advised not to have dental implants until such time as they have overcome the problem. Bruxism can usually be overcome, but as it is often stress related, it may take time to deal with the root cause of the issue. Unfortunately, during this time, quite a lot of damage can be done to the teeth; the most common being worn enamel and even tooth breakage.

To have dental implants placed for a known bruxism sufferer, would be to put the implant at immediate risk and almost certainly shorten its lifespan. Whilst we don’t wish to discourage anyone from having dental implants as they are the recognised ‘gold standard’ for teeth replacement; we definitely would not carry out a procedure that we felt inappropriate at that particular time.

Long term

Over the longer term, waiting until the time is right is beneficial for dental implant patients. Whether waiting until bone has been restored following a bone graft, biding time until retired from sport or managing to overcome bruxism; patience is certainly a virtue that will pay off in the long run. As well as your medical history, we will discuss factors such as these with you during the implant consultation at our Derby dental implant centre and offer appropriate advice to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your individual circumstances.

To arrange your consultation, please call the Darren Bywater Dental Implant Centre on 01332 550933.

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