Per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), osteoporosis impacts about 23% of Americans over 50 years old. This condition makes the bones in the body brittle and porous, including jawbones. It primarily affects women, although older men could experience bone loss, too.
Tooth implants depend on a robust, dense bone for increased chances of success. That leads to concerns about whether a person with osteoporosis can have dental implants installed. Fortunately, the short answer to this question is yes; even if you have osteoporosis, there are options for tooth implants available for you.
However, the downside is that for the implant placement procedure to succeed, it requires expertise, special skills, and a healing period. This blog provides a brief overview of implant placement in osteoporosis patients.
Having Tooth Implants If You Have Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition that makes bones in the body more brittle and less dense because of a loss of minerals like calcium. As density is lost, bones weaken more, making fractures highly likely. Whereas osteoporosis commonly impacts the spine, wrists, and hips, it can also affect the jawbone. For the dental implant procedure to succeed, the bone must be robust enough to anchor the titanium post, acting as a human-made tooth root. Thus, questions regarding jawbone strength are crucial if you wish to place dental implants.
If you have osteoporosis, your dental professional will assess your bone density first. They usually do this with X-rays or a CT scan. If your bone is dense and strong enough to anchor the implants, the dental professional can proceed with surgery.
However, when some patients require dental implants, they have experienced jawbone loss. Based on the severity of the jawbone loss, your dental professional may successfully improve bone density by bone grafting. Bone grafting is an option if there is significant jawbone loss.
The process is necessary to increase bone before the implant placement procedure. Bone grafting enables your jaw to anchor the implants, even if you have lost a lot of bone. The grafting procedure entails transplanting jawbone tissue to strengthen the place where the dentist will place the implant.
If bone loss is not massive, the dentist can recommend mini-implants. Mini implants are an option where conventional implants might not be suitable because of inadequate bone mass. They offer a minimally invasive option. These minor dental restorations necessitate less bone anchorage and can usually be installed with minimal preparation.
Presently, no contraindications exist for tooth implants in people who have osteoporosis. However, it may take longer for the tooth implant to stabilize. Put otherwise, the fact that you have osteoporosis does not mean you will not be able to undergo the dental implant placement procedure you need.
Why Bone Density Matters in Tooth Implants
The dental implant placement procedure requires a healthy and strong jawbone. During the surgery, the dentist surgically inserts a titanium post into the jawbone. The implant post then fuses with the jawbone via a process called osseointegration. The fusion establishes a more stable foundation for a dental prosthesis or crown, much like the root of an original tooth. Sufficient jawbone density is necessary to anchor the implant post for successful osseointegration.
Advanced Techniques for Inserting Tooth Implants in Osteoporosis Patients
Several techniques can enable dental professionals to place tooth implants in people who have osteoporosis. Often, there are four varying techniques:
Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants are less of a technique and more of a change of implants. When you need to replace teeth in the top jaw, the dentist may prefer a zygomatic dental implant. Instead of attaching the tooth implant directly into the affected bone, zygomatic implants are meant to attach directly into the zygomatic bone (cheekbone). The nose base or the pterygoid bone (bone close to the upper wisdom teeth) can also be helpful.
Unlike the jawbone, the zygomatic bone has far more density and is less likely to be impacted by the considerable damage that osteoporosis causes. Also, the longer size of the implant (between 30 and 50 millimeters in length) enables superior support and is the best for anchoring replacement teeth at the upper rear jaw. Zygomatic implants are used if the jawbone is overly soft and the sinuses have enlarged.
Connecting Teeth
If you have several adjacent teeth missing, rather than inserting an individual dental implant for every tooth, the dentist can splint the teeth together since a single implant will distribute the bite force evenly across the several teeth. By connecting the numerous teeth, a dentist can achieve 9 times the strength of a single tooth. This raises the chances that the dental implant will stay stable and strong over time.
Bone Densifying
The dental professional can use special drills to place the dental implant into the jawbone. This helps compact the jawbone, making it thicker. A denser bone enhances secure implant security and strength.
Bone Compression
Jawbone compression is when the dental professional presses the implant directly into the jawbone rather than making a hole to place it. The pressure the dentist applies assists in compressing the jawbone more tightly around the dental implant screw so that the jawbone is dense, and the dental implant is more stable.
Implant Surgery and Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are medications usually prescribed to patients with osteoporosis to minimize jawbone loss. Some of these drugs not only minimize jawbone loss, but they can also help rebuild the bone.
Unfortunately, bisphosphonates might slow recovery after the tooth implant placement procedure. A small percentage of patients on high bisphosphonate doses might experience dental implant failure. If you are on bisphosphonates to manage your osteoporosis, you want to consult a doctor or dental professional. They may recommend discontinuing the drugs for several months before and after implant surgery.
Factors Influencing Implant Success In Osteoporosis Patients
Osteoporosis indeed brings some challenges when it comes to dental implant surgery. However, it does not necessarily rule out the likelihood of undergoing the procedure. Here are some of the factors that impact the success of tooth implant surgery in patients who have osteoporosis:
- Lifestyle and overall health. A balanced diet, proper oral hygiene, and lifestyle factors such as stopping smoking are critical for successful dental implant surgery. For patients with osteoporosis, maintaining general health can significantly affect the body’s capability to recover and integrate the dental implant.
- Medication use. As mentioned earlier, patients with osteoporosis are usually prescribed bisphosphates to help stop bone loss. Whereas these drugs are effective, sometimes they complicate the osseointegration process, especially if administered intravenously. The dentist will carefully assess any history of medication to evaluate its possible effect on the dental implant's success.
- Use of bone grafts. For people with inadequate bone mass, a bone graft can assist in building up the jawbone, creating a more solid base for the dental implant. The bone grafting procedure entails adding bone tissue (either from a donor site or synthetic) to the jawbone to improve its density.
- The location where the dental implant will be placed. Bone mass can vary in different jaw areas. The front part of the bottom jawbone often has higher mass than other places. A comprehensive assessment of jawbone mass in the area where the dental implant will take place can assist in determining suitability and avoiding areas with lower bone density.
- How severe the osteoporosis condition is. The extent of bone mass loss varies from one patient to another. Those with slight to moderate osteoporosis might still have enough bone density to anchor the dental implants. On the other hand, those who have severe osteoporosis might need additional treatment for bone strengthening.
The Challenges of Obtaining Tooth Implants With Osteoporosis
A few challenges are experienced by osteoporosis patients who obtain dental implants. These challenges include the following:
- Recovery and healing. Osteoporosis can lower the body’s healing capability after surgery. This slow healing process can impact the implant’s integration with the bone. It might increase recovery times, which necessitate extra care.
- Unstable Implants. Osteoporosis may lower jawbone density, making it challenging for dental implants to have a robust foundation. This leads to poor osseointegration, making the dental implants unstable.
- Increased fracture risk. Feeble bones are more susceptible to fractures during the tooth implant placement procedure. Osteoporosis often makes bones brittle, which may cause complications during surgery and might prolong recovery periods.
- Medical interactions. Many people who have osteoporosis take drugs to manage the condition, like bisphosphonates. These drugs can impact bone healing and remodeling, influencing dental implant success. Speak to your physician and dentist before undergoing the implant placement if you are on any medications for osteoporosis.
Monitoring and Post-Operative Care
After undergoing the dental implant placement procedure when you have osteoporosis, you should stick to the distinctive postoperative care instructions from the dentist to ensure maximum healing and recovery.
- Meticulous dental hygiene practices. Adhering to excellent dental hygiene is essential in preventing infections that may jeopardize implant success. Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the oral tissue while healing.
- Routine follow-ups. Set up follow-up visits with your dental professional to monitor recovery and healing and evaluate any changes in jawbone density around the implant site.
- Dietary considerations. A diet rich in vitamin D and calcium can support overall recovery and bone health. Also, stick to eating soft foods at a moderate temperature (not too cold or too hot) so you do not damage the recovering tissues. Avoid increasing your body temperature by sunbathing, going in a hot bath, or going in a sauna. This could increase swelling and hinder healing.
Most importantly, discussing all ongoing treatments or medications for your osteoporosis condition with your medical provider is crucial. They might suggest additional therapies or adjustments to improve bone healing during recovery.
The success of the dental implant placement procedure is based on how faithfully you adhere to the aftercare directives your dentist gives you. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics; it is essential to take them as instructed and finish the full dose of the drug. You can manage swelling and pain with cold compresses and oral medications.
It is essential to stop smoking during the implant integration process. Various chemicals in cigarette smoke hinder blood flow and can prevent an implant from successfully integrating into the jawbone, making it loosen and fall out. You must cease smoking for a minimum of four to six months after your implant placement.
Preventing Osteoporosis in Dentistry
Dental hygiene is crucial to maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. This is particularly so if you exhibit early osteoporosis symptoms. Ensure you brush twice daily, preferably after meals. If plaque is not removed from teeth immediately, it usually hardens and then turns into tartar, a deposit that is much more challenging to remove.
This can cause gum tissue inflammation, leading to gum disease. With time, the gum inflammation can result in jawbone loss and damage the ligaments holding the teeth in position, making them fall out. That is why dental hygiene is so essential.
If you have developed osteoporosis, you want to see a physician regarding your condition. You will receive recommendations on how to treat the condition and lower the chances of it progressing. This will assist in avoiding the severe consequences that the condition can cause. Dental implants are still an option if you have already lost teeth, even with osteoporosis.
Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me
Considering how intricate osteoporosis is and its possible effect on tooth implant success, you want to work closely with an expert implant dentist. A skilled dentist will use sophisticated dental planning tools and imaging technology to evaluate bone density, customize treatment plans, and, if necessary, explore techniques such as bone grafting to enhance implant success.
At Lasting Impressions Dental Spa, we prioritize personalized treatment planning, assisting our patients in making informed decisions depending on their distinctive medical history. In addition, we work with every patient’s medical providers to ensure an all-inclusive approach that suits their medical needs. If you have osteoporosis and are considering dental implants in Encino, CA, call us at 818-751-5100 to set up a free consultation. We will be more than delighted to assist.
