Does Bruxism Affect Marginal Bone Level around Single Tooth Implants in the Posterior Mandible?

Abstract

Parafunctional forces are a potential risk factor for implant-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship of bruxism with implant-related complications and marginal bone loss (MBL). In this prospective cohort study, patients were divided into two groups with and without bruxism, and received single-tooth implants in the posterior mandible. Patients in the bruxer group were requested to use a customized fabricated night guard. Bone quality was also assessed based on CBCT scans. The MBL, crown detachment, and porcelain fracture were evaluated, and clinical assessments were made at the 12-month follow-up. Seventy patients were studied in two groups (n = 35 in each group). None of the implants in any of the two groups showed pain, sensitivity, suppuration, exudation, clinically detectable mobility, or peri-implant radiolucency. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in the mean MBL at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.60). Regarding bone quality, there was no significant difference in the mean MBL among different types of bone qualities (p = 0.66). There were no significant differences regarding crown detachment and porcelain fracture between the two groups either (p = 0.32 and p = 0.30, respectively). According to the results of this study, dental implant treatment according to the suggested protocol in bruxers yielded promising outcomes.