The rehabilitation of partial or completely edentulous patients with implant-supported
prostheses has been widely used, achieving high success rates. However, many studies consider the presence of
bruxism as a
contraindication for this treatment modality. The purpose of this study was to revise the literature and identify risk factors in implant-supported rehabilitation planning in subjects with
bruxism. Available literature was searched through Medline, with no time limit, including only studies in English. Topics discussed were etiology of
bruxism and its implications on
dental implants, biomechanical considerations regarding the overload on
dental implants, and methods to prevent the occurrence of overloads in implant-supported
prostheses. The rehabilitation of bruxers using implant-supported
prostheses, using implants with adequate length and diameter, as well as proper positioning seems to be a reliable treatment, with reduced risks of failure.
Bruxism control through the use of a nightguard by rigid occlusal stabilization appliance relieved in the region of implants is highly indicated. Although it is clear that implant-supported rehabilitation of patients with
bruxism requires adequate planning and follow-up, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to provide reliable evidence on the long-term success of this treatment modality.