Often, patients ask “what are the options available once the tooth is removed?” Until the recent past, my answer used to be restricted to removable dentures and conventional bridges. There are patients who slowly adapt well to wearing removable dentures, which are fabricated of acrylic and have to be removed at night. The disadvantages of these appliances are reduced taste sensation and bulky plastic feeling inside the mouth. Crowns and bridges do not have these disadvantages, but removing sound tooth structures of neighboring teeth to replace a missing tooth/teeth is its inherent drawback. Today, when patients want to know about better options of replacing missing tooth/teeth, dental implants are added to the treatment list.

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used to support restorations that resemble a tooth or group of teeth.  An implant consists of a titanium screw resembling a tooth root with a roughened surface. Surgically placed below the gums implants offer stability because they fuse to bone. Integration of the implants into jaw also helps replaced teeth feel more natural and secure and comfortable than conventional substitutes.

Bacteria constantly colonize the interface surfaces of our body all the time. Due to constant shedding of cells, large masses of bacteria are prevented from accumulating on these surfaces. In the mouth, teeth provide a hard, non-shedding surface where bacterial mass can build up. Dental plaque, which is a sticky, soft, colorless material adhering to the teeth, consists of bacterial cells (60-70% the volume of the plaque), salivary polymers, food residuals and bacterial by-products. Plaque is a naturally-constructed biofilm, in which bacteria may reach a thickness of 300-500 cells on the surfaces of the teeth. These accumulations subject the teeth and gum tissues to high concentrations of bacterial metabolites, which result in dental disease. It has been estimated that as many as 400 distinct bacterial species may be found in plaque.

To grind the teeth, clenching of the teeth, associated with forceful jaw movements,resulting in rubbing, gritting, or grinding together of the teeth, usually during sleep is referred to as bruxism. This being a subconscious behavior, bruxers are not aware of the habit until their sleeping partner complains of the annoying noise. Bruxism is not a dangerous disorder. However, it can cause permanent damage to the teeth and uncomfortable jaw pain, ear pain and headaches.

What is the cause of bruxism?

Some researchers say it occurs due to incorrect bite (occlusion), and some believe it is a central nervous system disorder. It is also thought to be transmitted genetically in few individuals. Stress is a huge factor when it comes to bruxing. In fact the mouth can show stress before any other area of the body. The more stress, the more bruxing and the harder the bruxing. Certain personality types like those with nervous tension, anger, aggressive, hurried tendencies are affected the most.