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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants included in the study were individuals aged between 18 and 65 years,
• who were systemically healthy and
• able to comprehend and respond to the questionnaire items

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with intellectual disabilities,
• suicidal tendencies, dementia,
• or psychosis were excluded from the study.

The study population consisted of 150 systemically healthy adult patients aged 18 to 65 who applied to the Department of Periodontology at Gülhane Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey, between March and June 2025. All participants were seeking dental implant therapy. The sample represents a clinical population attending a tertiary care academic dental center, with diverse educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Patients with intellectual disabilities, psychiatric disorders, or conditions impairing questionnaire comprehension were excluded. This observational cohort was selected to evaluate the presence of bruxism and patient awareness prior to implant placement.