Occlusal Splints and Periodontal/Implant Therapy

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Implantology

Background:

• Occlusal trauma, resulting from parafunctional habits like bruxism, can worsen periodontal disease and lead to implant complications.
• This can negatively impact the long-term success of periodontal and implant therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of bruxism on periodontal and implant treatment.
• To evaluate the efficacy of occlusal splints in managing bruxism.

Main Methods:

• An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases.
• Relevant English-language papers published from January 1965 to August 2017 were included.

Main Results:

• Occlusal splints show potential in alleviating temporomandibular disorder and bruxism symptoms.
• High-quality evidence supporting their widespread use is currently limited.

Conclusions:

• Occlusal splints are proposed as a non-invasive and reversible therapy option for patients experiencing bruxism.
• Further research is necessary to establish definitive clinical guidelines.