Understanding how bruxism affects dental restorations

Iveta Ramonaite, Dental Tribune International

Fri. 30 July 2021

save

MALMÖ, Sweden: Research has shown that bruxism not only causes damage to teeth but may also result in implant failure. To further investigate the issue, researchers from Malmö University are seeking to examine how bruxism affects the longevity of dental restorations by evaluating the complications the condition may cause after implant treatment. The study is planned to reduce the time and costs associated with redoing dental work.

In the second quarter of 2021, Dental Tribune International reported on a survey that found that stress experienced during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led an increasing number of patients to develop bruxism. Tooth grinding has also recently been linked to excessive smartphone usage, which is a common issue in today’s society. Now, the researchers from the Faculty of Odontology at Malmö University are contemplating how bruxism may affect the survival rate of dental implants.

The research has recently received funding from Oral Health Related Research by Region Skåne (Odontologisk Forskning i Region Skåne) and is a collaboration with the Department of Prosthetics at the university. Commenting on the research, corresponding author Dr Birgitta Häggman-Henrikson, professor in the Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function in the Faculty of Odontology at the university, said in a press release: “There is a very high level of competence in terms of dental materials and constructions and long-term survival of implants at the Department of Prosthetics. This will be a good combination with our subject knowledge about jaw motor skills and parafunctions.”

She added that the collaboration across different subject boundaries adds extra value to the project and noted that private sector Smile dental clinics will be involved in the project at a later stage and help evaluate the findings.

During the first part of the project, the researchers will carry out a long-term follow-up of existing patients who have undergone implant restorations in order to inquire into dental complications associated with bruxism. “There may be late complications that arise after maybe ten years,” Häggman-Henrikson noted.

Corresponding author Dr Birgitta Häggman-Henrikson, professor in the Faculty of Odontology at Malmö University. (Image: Malmö University)

The project is expected to take three to four years. The researchers hope that the data gained from the study will help develop methods and routines for efficiently reporting and identifying risk factors related to bruxism.

According to Häggman-Henrikson, the survival of dental restorations is affected by various factors, including the materials used, technical factors and patient-related factors such as bruxism. Discussing how timely identification of these factors could help predict future implant treatment, Häggman-Henrikson stated: “Are certain combinations of factors extra problematic? We want to map out what these complications look like, and in the long run we want to find the factors you need to be aware of before treatment. Then one can tailor treatment both based on patient factors and what materials are available.”

Tags:

To post a reply please login or register

How dentists view themselves affects how they view challenging patient encounters

TROMSØ, Norway: Interactions with difficult patients and how these situations are perceived, addressed and resolved can affect job satisfaction and cause ...

Interview: How to handle complex endodontic cases

Registration for ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 is open, and the organisers would like to introduce some of the great speakers and their lecture topics for next year’s...

How can the dental team help reduce patient anxiety?

GOTHENBURG, Sweden: Though its causes can be unclear and multiform, the effects of dental anxiety in patients are well understood. As it increases, patients...

New at-home bruxism monitoring device is highly accurate, researchers find

JOENSUU, Finland: In a new study, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland have developed a new, more affordable method of monitoring bruxism. ...

Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle affect oral microbial ecosystem

STOCKHOLM, Sweden: The connection between poor oral health and the heightened risk of systemic diseases has been long established, which is why the practice...

Veneer restoration: Calibrated preparation to close diastemas

Tooth structure preservation is the best way to avoid more invasive therapies. In young patients especially, more conservative techniques should be applied....

Materials and systems for all ceramic CAD/CAM restorations

Dental crowns have been used for decades to restore compromised, heavily restored teeth, and for aesthetic improvements. New Computer Aided Design/Computer ...

Interview: How to improve your prophylactic technique

As an award-winning dental hygienist and experienced Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) clinician, Faye Donald’s passion lies in educating, motivating and ...

How can remote monitoring lead to better treatment outcomes?

A prevailing myth in healthcare is that the expertise of practitioners is only accessible on-site. The reality is becoming quite different today. With the ...

Registration for ROOTS SUMMIT 2024 now open, flash sale runs until Saturday

ATHENS, Greece: The ROOTS SUMMIT organisers are pleased to announce that online registration for the endodontic meeting is now open. This highlight event ...

Education

Live webinar
Monday, 22. April 2024
16:00 CET (Oslo)