Replacing Missing Teeth with Dental Implants in Kalispell
If you grind your teeth, you might wonder: Can I still get dental implants? The short answer is yes, but with careful planning. Bruxism puts extra pressure on your teeth and jaw, which can affect how well your dental implants hold up over time.
To schedule your dental implant appointment, contact our dentist in Kalispell by calling (406) 752-1107.
What Is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. It usually happens during sleep but can also occur when you’re awake, especially during periods of stress or concentration. It’s considered a sleep-related movement disorder and can lead to a range of dental and muscular issues if left untreated.
Bruxism Symptoms
Symptoms of bruxism often include:
- Loud grinding sounds during sleep
- Worn, cracked, or flattened teeth
- Tooth sensitivity or pain without a clear cause
- Sore jaw or limited jaw movement
- Headaches or migraines upon waking
- Facial pain or tightness
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Disturbed sleep patterns
Contact Dr. Evan Olson today to schedule an evaluation.
How Bruxism Affects Dental Implants
Dental implants in Kalispell are designed to be durable, but they’re not indestructible. The repeated pressure from bruxism can cause:
- Micro-fractures in crowns or implant structures
- Loosening of the implant fixture
- Bone loss around the implant due to repeated stress
- Increased wear on surrounding natural teeth
How to Treat Bruxism Before and After Getting Dental Implants
Custom Night Guards
Custom night guards in Kalispell are among the most common and effective solutions. A night guard cushions your teeth and prevents direct contact between upper and lower teeth during sleep.
Stress Management
Since bruxism is often linked to anxiety or stress, learning relaxation techniques, like meditation, breathing exercises, or therapy, can reduce teeth grinding.
Correcting Bite Alignment
Misaligned teeth or bite issues (malocclusion) may contribute to bruxism. Our Kalispell dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or occlusal adjustments.
Medications
In severe cases, short-term use of muscle relaxants or medications to manage anxiety or sleep disturbances may help.
Botox Injections
Some patients benefit from Botox, which relaxes the jaw muscles and reduces clenching intensity. Not every dentist offers Botox.
Best Types of Dental Implants for Bruxism
Zirconia Implants
- Ceramic-based, highly durable
- Resistant to corrosion
- Aesthetic advantage: tooth-colored material
- Biocompatible and metal-free
Titanium Implants
- Stronger and more flexible under pressure
- Proven long-term success
- Biocompatible and widely used in clinical settings
- Slightly more visible under thin gums, but often hidden with a proper crown design
To get started with dental implants, contact our Kalispell dentist today at (406) 752-1107.
Are You Still a Candidate for Dental Implants If You Grind Your Teeth?
Yes, you can still be a candidate for dental implants if you have bruxism—but with some precautions:
- Our dentist may delay implant placement until your bruxism is managed.
- You may need to wear a custom night guard long-term.
- Our dentist may use specialized implant materials or techniques to reduce stress on the implant.
Address Your Bruxism Today!
If you have bruxism, it’s essential to work closely with our dentist near you to find the best treatment options and choose the right type of implant to ensure the best possible outcome. With proper care and treatment, dental implants in Kalispell can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, even for individuals with bruxism.
Call our dental clinic at (406) 752-1107.