Osteoporosis and Dental Implants

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It can develop slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture.

Although, they can also occur in other bones, such as your jawbone. Osteoporosis isn’t usually painful until a fracture occurs, but spinal fractures are a common cause of long-term.

Osteoporosis has a major impact on the part of the jawbone supporting the teeth. Studies show that a loss in this bone is most likely to cause tooth loss or mobility.

Causes of Osteoporosis

Losing bone is a normal part of the ageing process, but some people lose bone density much faster than normal. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.

Women also lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause (when monthly periods stop and the ovaries stop producing an egg). Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45). Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK and between 2-3 million people worldwide.

Many other factors can also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, including:

– long-term use of high-dose oral corticosteroids
– other medical conditions such as inflammatory conditions, hormone-related conditions, or malabsorption problems
– family history of osteoporosis – particularly history of a hip fracture in a parent
– long-term use of certain medications which can affect bone strength or hormone levels
– having a low BMI (body mass index)
– heavy drinking and smoking

Dental Implants & Osteoporosis

Dental implants have helped to restore countless smiles they are possibly the best way to replace missing teeth. However, in order for implants to be successful, a patient needs to have good bone density in the jaw, which is a concern for those who suffer from osteoporosis.

As Osteoporosis weakens bones throughout the body, some experts believe that people with osteoporosis should not get implants; because bones may have more difficult time healing around the titanium posts that the dentist inserts, increasing the chances of implant failure.

Although, using Bisphosphonates dental implants are often able to be successfully inserted. Bisphosphonates are drugs that help prevent or slow down bone thinning (osteoporosis). They can help to treat some types of cancer that cause bone damage as well.

If you’re living with Osteoporosis and you’re looking for dental implants or another solution, please contact Mark Tangri Dental today on 0333 1234 999.

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