Osteoporosis is often a concern for older patients, especially women. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone tissue weakens, leading to brittle bones and increased risk of fracture. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and wish to have dental implants, it is very important that you consult with your implant dentist to evaluate your individual eligibility for the procedure.
How Do I Know if I Can Have Implants?
An implant dentist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. He will evaluate your overall health, the health of your gums and jawbone, and take into account other aspects of your situation to be sure you have the best possible chance of a successful implant procedure. Some considerations before having implants placed include:
• Presence of gum disease
• Strength and volume of bone tissue
• Medications you may be taking to treat osteoporosis
• Presence of systemic problems such as a suppressed immune system or diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you might still be able to get implants. If osteoporosis has affected other parts of your body, it might not necessarily have caused decrease in jawbone mass or degradation of these tissues. However, certain medications used to treat osteoporosis can decrease the likelihood of a successful implant procedure.
What Medications Can Affect an Implant Procedure?
A certain class of medication used for treating osteoporosis can cause complications to implant placement or other dental surgery. These drugs, called biphosphonates, keep the body from reabsorbing bone tissue, but they also appear to affect your ability to heal after a dental implant procedure Biphosphonates can increase the risk of biphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw, also known as BONJ. When BONJ occurs, the bone tissue actually begins to die due to insufficient blood supply.
If you have osteoporosis and are , call the doctor Family Dentistry, serving Highlands Ranch and neighboring areas, today to speak with our dedicated team of dentists to determine what treatment options are best for your individual needs.