Oct 15, 2025
Can You Get Dental Implants If You Grind Your Teeth?
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
If you're considering a dental implant, you're on the path to the best permanent solution for a missing tooth. But if you know or suspect that you grind your teeth at night, you might be worried: "Does my teeth grinding disqualify me from being a candidate for a dental implant?"
It's a fantastic and crucial question. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we want to provide you with a clear and reassuring answer: yes, you can still be an excellent candidate for a dental implant. However, it requires a proactive partnership and a clear plan to manage the habit of grinding. This guide explains the risks of bruxism and the simple, effective solution we use to ensure your implant's long-term success.
The Problem: Why Teeth Grinding is a Concern for Dental Implants
Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is an involuntary habit of clenching or grinding the teeth, most often during sleep. The forces generated during these episodes are immense, sometimes hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch.
While a dental implant is incredibly strong, this excessive, repetitive force can pose a risk to the components of the implant restoration:
Fracturing the Porcelain Crown: The porcelain crown (the visible tooth) can chip or fracture under the strain, just like a natural tooth.
Loosening of Components: In some cases, the powerful forces can cause the small screw that connects the crown to the implant to loosen over time.
Stress on the Implant: In very rare and severe cases of unmanaged bruxism, the stress could potentially impact the implant's long-term fusion with the bone.
The Solution: A Custom Night Guard is Non-Negotiable
The solution is not to avoid getting a dental implant. The solution is to protect it. The key to successful dental implant candidacy for a patient with bruxism is a professionally made, custom-fitted night guard.
A custom night guard is a durable, slim appliance made from a precise digital scan or model of your teeth. You wear it while you sleep.
How It Works: It acts as a protective cushion. When you clench or grind, the guard absorbs the immense forces, distributing them evenly and protecting both your new implant crown and your natural teeth from wear and damage.
Why Custom is Better: Over-the-counter "boil-and-bite" guards are not recommended. They are often bulky, ill-fitting, and can sometimes even worsen your bite by holding your jaw in an unnatural position. A custom guard is designed for a perfect, comfortable fit.
The Treatment Process for Patients Who Grind
Diagnosis: During your initial implant consultation, we will look for the classic tell-tale signs of bruxism, such as flattened or worn-down natural teeth, even if you are unaware of the habit.
Treatment Planning: If we diagnose bruxism, the custom night guard becomes a mandatory and essential part of your overall implant treatment plan from day one.
Lifelong Protection: After your final implant crown is placed, you will be fitted for your custom night guard. Wearing it every night becomes a lifelong commitment to protecting your beautiful new investment.
FAQs: Your Questions About Grinding and Implants
Q1: What if I only grind my teeth when I'm stressed? Do I still need a night guard? Yes. Stress is a very common trigger for bruxism. Even if it only happens occasionally, a single night of intense grinding can be enough to damage a restoration. The night guard is your insurance policy against those high-stress periods.
Q2: Can teeth grinding cause the dental implant itself to fail? It is extremely rare for grinding to cause a fully healed implant post to fail. The most common and significant risk is damage to the crown that sits on top of the implant. The night guard is primarily designed to protect this part of the restoration.
Q3: Is a custom night guard uncomfortable to sleep with? A professionally made custom night guard is designed to be as comfortable and low-profile as possible. It is made from a smooth, durable material that fits your teeth perfectly. Most patients adapt to wearing it within just a few nights.
Q4: Will I wear the night guard while the implant is still healing? Typically, no. Your dentist will give you specific instructions, but in most cases, you will begin wearing your custom night guard only after your final, permanent crown has been placed on the fully healed implant.
A Manageable Condition, Not a Barrier to a New Smile
Teeth grinding is a common condition, but it should not prevent you from choosing the best, most permanent solution for your missing tooth. By identifying the habit and committing to the simple, effective solution of a custom night guard, you can enjoy all the benefits of a dental implant with complete confidence.
Your dental implant candidacy is a matter of a comprehensive diagnosis and a smart, proactive plan.
If you are in the Smyrna area, grind your teeth, and want to explore a permanent solution for your missing tooth, contact Smyrna Dental Studio today. Let's create a safe and successful plan for you.
