Bruxism is a parafunctional habit characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or mandibular thrusting, which may occur during sleep or wakefulness. It is associated with various dental complications, including implant failures. Despite its prevalence, awareness of bruxism among patients remains limited, and diagnostic methods vary. This study aims to evaluate the presence and type of bruxism in patients undergoing dental implant treatment and to assess their awareness levels. The findings may help prevent implant-related complications by supporting early identification and appropriate management of bruxism. Research Questions What is the prevalence of awake and sleep bruxism in patients scheduled for dental implant treatment? To what extent are patients aware of their bruxism habits prior to treatment? What are the most common signs and symptoms of bruxism observed in this patient group? Is there a correlation between patients' self-reported bruxism and clinical findings? Can increased bruxism awareness before implant procedures help reduce the risk of future implant and prosthetic complications?
This observational study involves systemically healthy adult patients scheduled for dental implant treatment at a university dental faculty. Clinical examinations were performed to detect characteristic signs of bruxism, and validated self-report tools-including the Bruxism Questionnaire, Fonseca Anamnestic Index, and Perceived Stress Scale-were used to assess both subjective awareness and emotional stress. Additionally, a customized awareness questionnaire was administered to evaluate patients' perceptions and knowledge of bruxism.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
150
The control group included patients aged 18-65 who were systemically healthy, had no clinical or self-reported signs of bruxism, and were eligible for implant treatment. Data collected included demographic characteristics (age, gender), systemic and periodontal health status, and clinical examination findings confirming the absence of bruxism. These patients also completed the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) to assess temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) to evaluate emotional stress levels. A bruxism awareness questionnaire was also applied to determine baseline knowledge in individuals without bruxism. All assessments were conducted before implant surgery using standardized diagnostic tools.
Health Sciences University Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry,
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
diagnosis of bruxism
Bruxism assessment in this study was based on both clinical examination and self-reported measures. Clinical diagnosis followed the 2018 international consensus criteria, requiring at least two of the following signs: masseter muscle pain or hypertrophy (extraoral), dental wear, linea alba on the buccal mucosa, or recurrent restoration failures (intraoral). Self-reported bruxism was evaluated using a standardized questionnaire based on Lobbezoo et al.'s grading system, distinguishing between awake and sleep bruxism.
Time frame: Baseline (before dental implant surgery)
Stress Level
The Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14), developed by Cohen et al. in 1983, was used to assess the level of emotional stress. This self-reported questionnaire comprises 14 items that evaluate the frequency of stress-related thoughts and feelings experienced by the respondent over the past month. Participants rate each item on a four-point Likert scale ranging from "never" to "very often." The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating greater levels of perceived emotional stress.
Time frame: Baseline (before dental implant surgery)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.