Can Teeth Grinding Loosen Dental Implants?

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My dentist placed three dental implants last August. One implant is loose. When I got the implants, my dentist made a custom night guard to wear because I grind my teeth. I don’t wear it because I hate the thing. It’s so hard to get used to it, and it is very difficult to sleep when I wear it. Could my not wearing the night guard be the reason why the implant is loose? Is this going to happen with the other 2 implants? I am embarrassed. I will have a hard time facing my dentist and telling him that I have not been wearing the night guard. I want to know before seeing him if this could really be my fault. Thank you for your time. TJ

TJ – Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. The only way to be sure about the cause of your loose implant is to have it examined.

Can Teeth Grinding Loosen Dental Implants?

Dental implant model with the fixture in the bone

Pressure from teeth grinding can weaken a dental implant

Teeth grinding (bruxism) at night puts extra pressure on dental implants and can loosen them. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it is vital to wear a night guard to avoid damaging your implants. You should wear the night guard while implants heal and afterward.

It is best to find out now why your implant has loosened. You have two other implants that your dentist must observe. If the preventive measure is as simple as wearing a night guard, you should know that now and ensure the success of your implants.

What Happens If an Implant Is Loose?

If your dentist will examine your implant and the area around it to determine if he can stabilize it. If not, your dentist must remove the implant. Depending on the condition of the implant and the area around it, you may need bone grafting before your dentist places another implant. Although you might be embarrassed, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is important. Also, if your mouth guard is excessively uncomfortable, your dentist may need to check it for fit.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

What Are My Options for Teeth Broken Near Edge of My Gums?

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I am wondering if dental implants are my only option. I have three teeth that are about two-thirds broken off. The break almost hit my gumline. I was biking on an unfamiliar trail that wasn’t in good condition. It’s a scenic trail, but I didn’t get enough information about its condition. I hit a huge hole that sent me flying off the bike. There was more damage to my lips and teeth than to the bike. I always wear a helmet and am fortunate not to have a concussion. I do not know any biker who wears a mouthguard, but I am seriously considering it now that my left front and center teeth and the two next to them broke. Amazingly, the teeth do not hurt unless I mistakenly chew on them. I have a dentist, but he is only two years out of dental school, so before I let him do anything to my mouth or refer me to a specialist, I wonder if there are options other than dental implants. – Thank you. Raymond from Tampa, FL

Raymond,

Thank you for your question.

You did not mention when you had the accident, but it is best not to delay getting treatment. Although you do not feel any pain, the trauma to your teeth and their continued exposure increases the risk of infection.

What Are Your Options for Teeth Broken Near the Gumline?

Dental implant with markers for crown, abutment, and root formIf your teeth break near the gumline, your dentist needs to examine and x-ray them to determine the extent of the damage. Tooth replacement options may include a dental implant or a dental bridge.

Dental implants

Dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement for several reasons:

  • They minimize the bone loss that occurs when teeth are missing
  • They will look and function like your natural teeth.
  • The results can last a lifetime.

The implant process takes longer than other tooth replacement options because it involves surgery and time for your jawbone to fuse with the implants before getting your final dental crowns. Still, the results outlast other tooth replacement options.

Dental bridge

A dental bridge can restore multiple missing teeth in a row. It consists of dental crowns joined at their sides. The teeth on either side of the missing ones will anchor the bridge. A dentist must reduce the size of the anchor teeth to ensure the crowns on the ends of the bridge fit over them.

If possible, look for a dentist with advanced implant and cosmetic dentistry training and accreditation. After your exam and x-rays, the dentist will explain your options and their pros and cons.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of implantology, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Brooksher does to provide patients some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

I Had a Panic Attack at the Dentist and Walked Out

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I am always nervous about the dentist, but last Wednesday was worse than ever. When I pulled into the parking lot, I started feeling nauseous. I thought about calling the office and telling them that I was in the parking lot but sick. For some reason, I decided to go in anyway. I felt woozy and sat down quickly. When the dental assistant called my name, I jumped up and walked out of the office.

I was supposed to talk to my dentist about implants for two missing upper molar teeth. But I had a panic attack in the waiting area and had to leave without seeing her. I called to apologize but did not reschedule. I don’t know what to do next. I am terrified that this is something that I won’t be able to cope with enough to get dental implants. I am embarrassed but do not want to start over with another dentist. Thanks. Malachi from TX

Malachi – Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Millions of people have dental anxiety and skip appointments because of it.

You may need to start by addressing the reason for your anxiety. Past dental experiences that were emotionally or physically painful can cause anxiety. Also, consider whether your current dentist understands and sympathizes with your anxiety.

Dentists who welcome anxious patients will listen to your concerns and fears and address them. Frequent, clear communication may be enough to calm your fears. Some patients require sedation for dental appointments, and you may be one of them.

A beach hammock between palm trees portraying the relaxation of sedation dentistry

Sedation dentistry relaxes you during denal visits


We suggest that you start by speaking with your current dentist. If she does not understand your anxiety, look for another implant dentist. Schedule a consultation, explain your concerns, and ask what the dentist can do to help you relax. Ask friends for recommendations for dentists or search online for dentists who cater to anxious patients. We are confident that you will find a dentist to meet your needs.

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

What Happens If I Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

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I have opted for my dentist to pull teeth for the last ten years instead of doing root canals and caps. Now I am missing four upper back teeth. All my wisdom teeth are gone, so the two teeth in front of them on both sides of my upper jaw are missing. You cannot tell the teeth are missing unless I hold my head back and laugh. Now that I moved to Massachusetts, I have a new dentist suggesting that I replace my teeth with dental implants. She says I will regret it as I get older if I do not get the implants when my teeth start shifting around. She can already tell from my x-rays that my teeth are moving, and she showed me the x-ray comparison. I’ve had this dentist for three years, and I trust her. But a second opinion is always good. I am not considering dental implants yet. Why not get a dental bridge? What will happen if I don’t replace my missing teeth? Thank you. William from Springfield, MA

William,

Thank you for your question. Your dentist may be persistent, but she seems to be genuinely concerned about your long-term oral health if you do not replace your missing second and third molars.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace Missing Teeth?

If you do not replace missing teeth, it can affect your long-term oral health in these ways:

  • Tooth misalignment – Teeth are placeholders for proper alignment. Gaps in your smile cause teeth to lean against each other and crowd your smile. When teeth are missing, other teeth will begin to drift toward the spaces.
  • Jawbone shrinkage – In areas of missing teeth, the jawbone shrinks 25 percent within the first three months and up to 50 percent within six months. Multiple missing teeth can accelerate facial wrinkles and sagging.
  • Challenge with oral hygiene – It is challenging to brush and floss between teeth that lean on each other. Crowded teeth increase the risk of plaque and tartar buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Why Get Dental Implants?

Dental implant model with the fixture in the bone

A complete dental implants replace a tooth’s roots and crown

A complete dental implant replaces a tooth’s root and crown. The artificial tooth roots fuse with your jawbone and look and feel natural. A dental bridge requires shaving down the tooth on either side of the missing one. But you are missing second and third molar teeth with no teeth behind them to support a bridge. Although a dentist may offer alternative bridge treatment, other teeth will need to support it. The option will be less healthy than individual implants.

We suggest that you discuss your concerns with your dentist and ask for more information on dental implants and what you can expect with or without them in the long term.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

Why Is My Palateless Denture Loose?

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Last August, I found a dentist who does palateless dentures. He took some x-rays, reviewed my medical records, and said I could get the denture. I was excited because I have worn dentures for 20 years. I was very nervous because I had never had any oral surgery before last September when the dentist did four implants. I was under IV sedation, so the surgery went better than expected. Everything seemed to go okay until mid-January, when I felt something shift in my mouth. I returned to the dentist before my next scheduled appointment. He said that the denture might be loose, and he will check the implants next week. I am terrified of what the dentist might find and that I might lose all the implants. I don’t know if my anxiety will let me start all over again. Now, my trust level is down. What are some reasons that my palateless denture might be loose? – Thanks so much. Giada from Florida

Giada,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your denture and take a 3-D cone beam CT scan to identify the problem. But will explain some possible causes of your loose palateless dentures. But first, we will explain how a palateless denture works for any of our readers who are not familiar with it.

What Is a Palateless Denture?

Palateless upper denture prepared for dental implantsA palateless is shaped like an arch and has no upper plate that touches the roof of your mouth. A palateless implant denture snaps or screws onto dental implants. Dental implants are tiny screws that an implant dentist places in your jawbone. Two to six implants can keep your denture in place. After about four months of healing, your dentist will attach the final denture to the implants.

Palateless implant denture vs. traditional implant denture

  • Traditional denture – A traditional denture has a palate that touches the roof of your mouth. Suction from the top of your mouth keeps the denture in place. Many denture wearers find it uncomfortable. Some also say that it distorts the taste of food.
  • Palateless implant denture – Dental implants embedded in your jawbone can support a palateless denture. You will have a more comfortable experience wearing dentures that do not cup the roof of your mouth.

Why Is Your Palateless Denture Loose?

If your palateless implant denture is loose, perhaps the denture is not secured to the implants. Or, your implants and jawbone may not have fused. An examination and 3-D CT scan will provide the answer.

  • Denture not secured to the implants – If your palateless denture is loose, your dentist must determine the cause. Perhaps the denture base is misaligned with the implants. Or, maybe the connection between your denture and implants is unstable.
  • Jawbone and dental implant did not fuse – When your jawbone and implant do not fuse, the cause could be the location of the implants, inflammation around the implants, poor-quality implants, or other factors.

Get a Second Opinion Right Away

We recommend getting a second opinion right away. The American Society of Implant and Reconstructive dentistry cautions that if the implant connection is loose, it can have these effects:

  • Alter your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth)
  • Damage the implants
  • Cause bone loss

You mentioned that your dentist took some x-rays, but you did not say a 3-D cone beam CT scan. Did your implant dentist complete that scan? Search for an implant dentist with credentials (not membership only) from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Dental Implant Association. Schedule an appointment for a second opinion. You will need a comprehensive exam and a 3-D CT scan at some point.

Your anxiety is understandable, but an implant dentist will recommend sedation options to keep you relaxed while getting the care you need. We wish you a healthy resolution for your loose palateless denture.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

I want this stainless-steel post out of my tooth

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I knew my dentist was going to insert a post into my root canal tooth (lower molar), but I didn’t think to ask what the post was made of. I found out today that the post is stainless steel. I am wearing a temporary crown and will get the final crown in about two weeks. My dentist explained that the stainless-steel post will be encased, but can it be removed and replaced with a non-metal post? If there is no other way to save the tooth, I would rather have an extraction. I’m really concerned about getting this post out of my mouth. I think I am having a reaction to it, and it is making my ears ring. – Thank you. Alex from S. Carolina

Alex,

Thank you for submitting your question to our office.

Although a dentist can remove a stainless-steel post from your tooth, there are risks.

Purpose of a post in a tooth

A dentist might insert a post in a root canal to strengthen the tooth or support a crown. The post can be useful in these situations:

  • Front teeth – A post strengthens the tooth against horizontal fracture.
  • Molar and other teeth – The post can serve as the foundation for building up the tooth and retaining the crown.

History of tooth posts

In the 1970s and earlier, prefabricated dental posts were made of stainless steel. In the 1980s, studies confirmed that metal ions can seep out of the tooth and into the bloodstream—even though the post is cemented inside the tooth. The nickel in stainless steel often causes a reaction in people with metal allergies or sensitivities.

Alternative materials for dental posts

Alternative materials for dental posts include titanium, zirconia, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Titanium is a strong, biocompatible metal that many dental practices used. And in the 1990s, other materials, including carbon fiber and fiberglass were used to make dental posts. Now, the ceramic zirconia is an alternative for a biocompatible, flexible high-strength post.

If you have metal allergies or sensitivities, a dentist can remove your post. But it seems that your dentist is not the one to do it. The complexity of removing the post depends on how deeply your dentist embedded it and how firmly it is cemented. A skilled dentist might use an ultrasonic tip to dislodge it.

Get a second opinion

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

Get a second opinion to preserve your tooth instead of needing an extraction and implant

You can ask your dentist to postpone your dental crown until the post is removed. If a crown is cemented over the post, it will become more difficult to remove it. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your tooth, your description does not suggest that you might require an extraction and dental implant. We recommend that you schedule an appointment with a skilled dentist for a second opinion. After examining your tooth, the dentist will explain your treatment option.

Best wishes for a prompt resolution.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, of Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

 

My dental implants failed in five days

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In September, I received four dental implants for $1850 each. I was supposed to receive three more implants. But I have stopped the process because two of the five implants came out the five days after surgery. Should I be charged for two implants that failed? Is this a common occurrence or do I have good reason to distrust my dentist? Thank you. Sheldon from GA

 

Sheldon,

Authority Dental estimates that dental implants have a 5% failure rate. And most failures occur over months or years—not days. Half of your dental implants failed. You should not have to pay your dental for failed implants.

Why Do Dental Implants Fail?

Dental implants fail due to infection, shortcuts, cheap implant fixtures, premature restoration, and sometimes health reasons.

  • Infection – Poor-fitting implant fixtures allows bacteria to grow around the implants and cause an infection.
  • Diagnostic shortcuts – Successful dental implants require 3-D CT scans to reveal your bone structure and surrounding areas. The scans show if you need bone grafting and where to place your implants for the best results.
  • Cheap implant fixtures – Low-quality dental implants don’t last. And they can cause infection.
  • Incorrect implant placement – Implants placed in the wrong location can loosen and fail.
  • Premature restoration – If a dentist places dental crowns or dentures on implants before the implants fuse with the jawbone, they will fail.
  • Smoking – Smoking restricts your blood flow and inhibits the healing process. Healing time will be slower, or dental implants might have.
  • Medical condition – If you have uncontrolled diabetes or a medical condition that decreases your ability to heal, it can affect the success of your dental implants.

What to Do When Your Dental Implants Fail

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

When your dentist plans carefully, a dental implant fuses with the bone and anchors a crown

When dental implants fail, it’s wise to get a second opinion. Look for a specialist or a dentist with a fellowship in a dental implant organization like the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. If two of your four implants failed on the fifth day, you’re at risk of losing the remaining implants.

Ask your current dentist for your dental records and x-rays before scheduling an appointment with an implant specialist. Although your current dentist should willingly refund you for failed dental implants, other steps you can take include:

  • Ask your new dentist to communicate with your former dentist in requesting a refund.\
  • Report your current dentist to the state dental board
  • Hire a malpractice attorney

 

We hope that your dentist will promptly refund you without resistance. Best wishes on your dental implant recovery. We hope you can soon smile with relief.

 

In Baton Rouge, you can get a dental implant second opinion from Steven Brooksher, DDS. Dr. Brooksher is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Is It Too Late for Dental Implants?

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After wearing dentures for 18 years, is it too late for dental implants? My dentures won’t stay in, and my entire experience with wearing them has been disappointing and frustrating. It’s almost time for new dentures, and if I can minimize my misery, I would love it. Thanks. Vera from Biloxi, MS

 

Vera,

No, it’s not too late for dental implants. There isn’t a limit on how many years you can wear dentures before you’re not a candidate for implants, but you’ll need to be patient with the process. We’ll explain.

Dentures and Jawbone Resorption

The longer you wear complete removable dentures, the more your jawbone will shrink. Jawbone shrinkage occurs in areas where teeth are missing. And when all your teeth are missing, the entire surface of your jawbone shrinks. Your body takes the minerals from the bone and uses them elsewhere. As your jawbone shrinks, it’s more difficult for your denture to stay in place.

Dental Implants and Bone Volume

An implant dentist or oral surgeon places implants in your jawbone with the goal of the bone and implant fusing to anchor a denture or arch of teeth. If you have significant bone loss, your jawbone won’t support implants.

If You Don’t Have Enough Bone for Dental Implants

If you don’t have enough jawbone to support dental implants, implant dentists offer two treatment options—bone grafting and All-on-4 dental implants.

Bone grafting for dental implants

Bone grafting for dental implants is a procedure that takes bone from one part of your body, like your hip, to use it for building up your jawbone. As an alternative, a dentist might use sterilized or artificial bone. Depending on the type of bone used and the extent of bone loss, the Academy of Osseointegration says it can take four to twelve months for grafts to heal. After healing, you can receive dental implants. Your implant dentist will explain your options for grafting.

All-on-4 dental implants

Denture above dental implants ready to be screwed on

Dental implants secure dentures

All-on-4 dental implants are a system that angles implants in the front of your mouth. The bone in the front of your mouth is often thicker than other areas. And angling the implants increases contact with the bone and resistance to movement. Implant dentists use 3-D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to see your bone structure and identify a precise location for All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants. This process prevents the need for bone grafting. But your implant dentist will determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment.

For predictable results, look for an implant dentist who is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dentists with fellowship have advanced dental implant training and experience and have completed rigorous testing and examination of their patient cases by a review board.

You can receive implant-supported dentures and have a comfortable, confident smile at last.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an accredited cosmetic dentist and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology. He completes implant surgery and restores implants with dental crowns or dentures.

Need Teeth Extracted Before Dentures? 3 Facts to Consider Before Visiting an Oral Surgeon

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I hate the thought of wearing dentures at 50, but most of my teeth are missing. The few that are left have deep decay. The drama with my teeth comes from years of neglect when I was younger. Now I’m stable and can afford to do something about my teeth and smile. I guess I have a little less anxiety about dental appointments than when I was younger, but I’m concerned about having any type of surgery. I’m wondering if I should see an oral surgeon first and get the remaining teeth pulled or if I should go to a dentist and let him refer me to an oral surgeon. Thanks. Brad from AR

Brad,

There dentists who can do both—extract your teeth and provide you with dentures. Extractions before dentures are not complicated, and many general dentists do both.

  • Search online for a dentist with at least several years of experience.
  • Call their offices and ask how the dentist handles cases when a patient needs extractions before dentures.
  • The office representative’s answer will explain if the dentist completes extractions and provides dentures.
  • If you choose a dentist who refers patients to an oral surgeon for extractions, he or she will coordinate your care.

Relieving Your Anxiety

As you call dental offices, ask an additional question: What does the dentist do to calm anxious patients? Many dentists are gentle and successful in helping patients relax and receive painless treatment. Others offer sedation dentistry, which is anti-anxiety medication—varying in different strengths depending on your anxiety and the procedure you’ll receive.

Some Advice on Stabilizing Your Dentures

A common source of anxiety about dentures is fear of them clicking, sliding around, or falling out. If your budget allows, consider stabilizing your dentures with dental implants.

What Are Implants?

Diagram of a snap-on denture. The denture is hovering above the jawbone that has two dental implants in it.

Affordable dental implants will secure your dentures

Implants are small screws that are embedded in your jawbone like tooth roots. But when all your teeth are missing, implants are used to support your denture. Your implant dentist can attach an arch of replacement teeth—or a denture—to at least two dental implants.

Benefits of Implant Overdentures

  • Minimize denture movement. Dental implants anchor a denture. And with four to six implants, you’ll have minimal movement with your denture, and it will feel more like your natural teeth. It’s much easier to bite and chew food with stable implant overdentures.
  • Preserve your facial features. You’re only 50 years old. The longer you wear dentures, the more your jawbone will shrink. Natural teeth stimulate the bone and prevent it from shrinking. But dentures don’t stimulate your jawbone; they put pressure on it and make it shrink faster. Dental implants rescue your jawbone from shrinking away and making your face sag prematurely.
  • Provide a better experience overall. Most fears about wearing dentures are related to how much they will move and shift in your mouth and how they will look. Cosmetic dentists are skilled at providing dentures that look like natural teeth.

If you search for and find an implant dentist with cosmetic dentistry skills, it will erase most—if not all—your worries about dentures.

Take time to find a dentist who will correctly and beautifully restore your smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS is a cosmetic and implant dentist in Baton Rouge, LA. Read about his credentials and visit his smile gallery. It will give you ideas on what to look for in a dentist in your area.

Lackluster Smile Makeover After Just 2 Months?

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Hi,

I hope you can help me. I recently had extensive cosmetic work on all my upper teeth. My restorative dental work was an expensive undertaking, so I want to take care of my teeth, so they’ll last a long time. I’ve been brushing and rinsing with over-the-counter products. However, after two months of this, my bright, white veneers have become noticeably less shiny. I even tried restoring their brightness with baking soda, but that had no effect. Did my toothpaste or mouthwash do this to my smile? Was it too abrasive, or was I just overdoing it? I made another appointment with my cosmetic dentist, is there anything she can do? I was very happy with the whiteness of my smile makeover, so I hope I can get it back.

Thank you,

TJ, from Hippo, Kentucky.

 

Hi TJ,

A smile makeover can involve dental implants, porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers. No matter what you had done in your mouth, it would involve ceramic or porcelain, both of which is stronger than your natural tooth enamel. Smile makeovers are designed to stand up to the repeated wear-and-tear of brushing, and last 10-20 years with proper care. If your mouthwash had acidulated fluoride in it, that could cause the porcelain to dull, but over-the-counter products don’t have that. Be sure to let any dental hygienists know about your restorative dental work before they clean your teeth; the Prophy Jet tool they use can wear down the glaze on porcelain veneers and dull their shine.

The only way brushing and rinsing can cause your smile makeover to dull is if it were made from composite, rather than porcelain in the first place. Unfortunately, composite is much softer than your tooth’s natural structure. Anything from an abrasive toothpaste to mouthwash with alcohol in it can weaken composite, making it dull and susceptible to scratching. Talk to your cosmetic dentist about your concerns at your next appointment, and in the meantime, stop rinsing with any alcohol-based mouthwashes.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher. Please note that Dr. Brooksher is a general dentist who has had additional training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry.