The effects of bruxism on patients with dental implants.

Abstract

Bruxism is a parafunctional activity with involuntary nonfunctional rotation, grinding, or clenching of teeth, awake or asleep. In current literature, its association with dental implants has remained controversial. Objective: This article aims to analyze literature, identify the effects of bruxism on dental implants and how it could lead to complications or failure. Data: An electronic search of studies of the previous five years, related to bruxism and dental implants, was performed on April 2021. Sources: It was conducted in the following databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, Elsevier, and ResearchGate. Study selection: Inclusion criteria are clinical studies, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, randomized or not, that involved people with bruxism and dental implants, and published within five years of the search date. Exclusion criteria are duplicated, poorly designed studies, published before the search date, and people without bruxism and dental implants. Conclusion: Dental professionals have a generally open mental outlook on performing dental implant treatments in patients with bruxism. Literature shows consistent data on bruxism causing complications with porcelain fractures, an increase in implant failure, and mechanical complications. Research analyzed recommend the placement of as many implants, in a proper position, to reduce overload, and longer implants with a larger diameter for more implant-bone surface area. Bruxism is considered to have statistically significant effects on dental implants, but it is not a contraindication. Although, there is no specific treatment due to the diversity of existing criteria, it is suggested to follow the mentioned recommendations to prolong longevity.