What is bruxism?

What is teeth grinding?

Bruxism is the grinding of teeth. The pressure of excessive teeth grinding is very powerful and damages the teeth. Tooth enamel wears away to the point where the nerves in the teeth are exposed. The teeth become sensitive to hot and cold. The teeth wear down and break before falling out.  Over time, eventually most of the teeth fall out and the jaws collapse.

Treatment of bruxism with a basal dental implant

How can the effects of teeth grinding be resolved with basal implants?

Basal dental implants are the best solution for bruxism because they are longer and fixed in the cortical bone, which is deeper and harder. This gives strength and stability to the fixed bridge that welds all the implants and teeth together.

For patients who suffer from the effects of bruxism implantologists specializing in basal implantology generally extract all teeth that are not stable. Some stable teeth, such as canines, can be retained and used with implants to support the dental bridge.

Tooth wear

How do you solve wear of teeth caused by the grinding?

Basal implants are more resistant to teeth grinding because they are longer and placed in the cortical bone, which is hard and deep. The implants and teeth are covered by a full dental bridge made from a single block that prevents any movement of the implants and teeth and protects them from the grinding.

PFM metal-ceramic crowns are more resistant to the wear of teeth grinding because they are a hard material. Composite, for example, is too soft. And zirconium can chip or crack. And if the enamel of a metal-ceramic crown is damaged by teeth grinding, it can be repaired in the mouth without removing the prosthesis.

Dentists usually make you a dental splint to wear at night. It protects the crowns and lets you sleep better.

Tooth loss

How do I replace missing teeth?

If teeth have already fallen out, it’s important to replace them with dental implants. In basal implantology, missing teeth are replaced with basal dental implants positioned along the entire length of the jaw, including behind the sinuses. Pterygoid implants recreate the natural functionality of the mouth and allow the patient to chew normally on the molar teeth.

Occlusal collapse

How do basal dental implants compensate for loss of jaw height?

The loss of teeth especially at the back of the jaw leads to a collapse in the level of the jaws, technically called an occlusal collapse. Dentists can rectify the occlusal collapse and restore a natural level with basal dental implants. Pterygoid implants behind the sinuses and full bridges can raise the jaws to a level that is comfortable for the patient.