Osteoporosis and dental implants aren’t always a viable combination. Because osteoporosis weakens and degrades the bones, not everyone with this condition is a good candidate for dental implants. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to discuss your options with an oral surgeon like Dr. Bebeau at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix, who specializes in dental implants.
Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Various factors increase the risk of osteoporosis. Advanced age, race, and gender all play a role as risk factors—elderly white and Asian women tend to have the highest risk. Additionally, those who have small, thin bodies with lower bone mass or whose families have a history of the disease are more susceptible.
How Does Osteoporosis Affect the Jaw?
Osteoporosis and dental implants aren’t always a viable combination. Because osteoporosis weakens and degrades the bones, not everyone with this condition is a good candidate for dental implants. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s important to discuss your options with an oral surgeon like Dr. Bebeau at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix, who specializes in dental implants.
Who Is at Risk for Osteoporosis?
Various factors increase the risk of osteoporosis. Advanced age, race, and gender all play a role as risk factors—elderly white and Asian women tend to have the highest risk. Additionally, those who have small, thin bodies with lower bone mass or whose families have a history of the disease are more susceptible.
How Does Osteoporosis Affect the Jaw?
Because osteoporosis thins and weakens the bones, it makes them more fragile and more likely to break. Osteoporosis could potentially weaken the jaw to the point where teeth can become loose and dentures no longer fit. Significant bone loss in the jaw can also make dental implants impossible to secure. Whether or not a person with osteoporosis is a good candidate for dental implants will depend on the density of the bone in their jaw.
How Do Osteoporosis Medications Affect Implants?
Additionally, certain osteoporosis medications can have an impact on implant success rates. In particular, bisphosphonates have been found to affect bone mineral density in the jaw’s mandible, which is where implants are generally placed if replacing lower teeth. This can cause changes in the bone structure that ultimately causes implant failure. For osteoporosis patients seeking tooth replacement, it is important to speak with an oral surgeon about the medication and its effects on your mandible prior to implant placement.
Considering Dental Implants with Osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis and want dental implants, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix help. We’ll review your case with you and determine the best tooth replacement treatment for your condition. You can request an appointment online or call 480-745-2430 to schedule a consultation and get started on the path toward restoring your smile.
How Do Osteoporosis Medications Affect Implants?
Additionally, certain osteoporosis medications can have an impact on implant success rates. In particular, bisphosphonates have been found to affect bone mineral density in the jaw’s mandible, which is where implants are generally placed if replacing lower teeth. This can cause changes in the bone structure that ultimately causes implant failure. For osteoporosis patients seeking tooth replacement, it is important to speak with an oral surgeon about the medication and its effects on your mandible prior to implant placement.
Considering Dental Implants with Osteoporosis?
If you have osteoporosis and want dental implants, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Phoenix help. We’ll review your case with you and determine the best tooth replacement treatment for your condition. You can request an appointment online or call 480-745-2430 to schedule a consultation and get started on the path toward restoring your smile.
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