Factors to Consider If You Have Osteoporosis and Want Dental Implants
Posted on: 20 March 2015
Do you have osteoporosis? If so, you may assume that your bone condition makes you an unlikely candidate for dental implants. Dentists have performed implant procedures in people with osteoporosis with a high success rate. There are a number of factors that they must address with patients regarding their health.
Due to your pre-existing condition, the doctor who treats you for your osteoporosis will play a key role in determining whether this procedure is a good fit your you. Your dentist will need to communicate with the physician to ensure that your osteoporosis is properly managed. The communication between these professionals will address the types of medications you take, dieting considerations as well as fitness considerations that are part of your osteoporosis treatment.
Medications
You are likely taking biphosonates like a number of other people who have osteoporosis. These medications slow or stop the degeneration of bone, but they can also affect how some people heal. Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and there is healing time involved.
Smoking
Another important factor regarding dental implant success may depend on whether or not you are a smoker. Smoking appears to have some effects on the success of dental implant procedures. If you have osteoporosis and you smoke, it may increase the chances of an unsuccessful procedure.
Some approaches your dentist and doctor may consider are a smoking cessation program. A recommendation of dental bridges or dentures may also be made as an alternative to the implants.
Gums and Bone Tissue
Your dentist may need to implement bone grafting if smoking, medications, poor dental hygiene or your osteoporosis has resulted in bone tissue loss. If gum disease is present, your dentist will address it as part of the dental implant procedure, which may need to be completed in stages to increase the chances of success.
Post-Surgery
Dental implants require adequate bone tissue to stay in place. This is one reason why you will need to ensure you manage your osteoporosis and dental health post-surgery.
Dental implants will not relieve you from needing to brush and floss regularly. Doing these actions reduces plaque build-up, which in turn reduces the chances of bacteria entering the gum line and causing gum disease. Untreated gum disease can create a pocket around the dental implant and deplete bone tissue. As a result, the implant could fall out.
If you stop following the recommendations made by your doctor to keep your osteoporosis from advancing, you also run the risk of depleted bone tissue. This can affect also affect the stability of your dental implants. Taking care of your health will help to ensure that you are able to enjoy the semi-permanency of dental implants that others who do not have osteoporosis experience. For more information, contact Pine Ridge Dental Group.
Share