July 11, 2025 - Study Club session
Implants Under Pressure: The Hidden Dangers of Bruxism and Functional Overload
Not all implant failures are caused by infection. In many cases, the true culprit is functional overload; parafunctional habits like clenching and grinding that go undetected until your implant is loose, fractured, or surrounded by unexplained bone loss.
This session reveals the mechanical risks that bruxers and parafunctional patients pose to implant restorations. We’ll explore how to differentiate biological bone loss from overload, how to spot red flags in the muscles, occlusion, and radiographs, and what you must do before and after placing implants in high-risk patients. From occlusal design to appliance selection and failure case analysis, this session provides you with the tools to protect your implants from the forces that destroy them.
Designed for general dentists, prosthodontists, and implant surgeons who treat patients with wear patterns, tension, unexplained failures, or high bite force.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
Identify clinical and radiographic signs of bruxism, clenching, and functional overload in implant patients.
Distinguish mechanical overload from peri-implantitis using radiographs and soft-tissue evaluation.
Design occlusal schemes that minimize lateral force on implants using reduced occlusal tables, flatter cusp inclines, and guidance selection.
Choose appropriate bite appliances for post-restorative protection in parafunctional cases.
Implement a clinical workflow for functional assessment and overload risk documentation during implant planning.
Counsel patients on the role of parafunction in implant complications and explain protective strategies to improve long-term success.