Osteoporosis is a bone condition that thins and weakens your bones, increasing your risk of sustaining a fracture. It is a silent disease, as it does not cause any symptoms until your bones start to fracture. Osteoporosis can limit certain dental treatments due to decreased bone density. The common question many people ask is whether they can have dental implants if they already have osteoporosis. The truth is, dental implants can effectively and safely replace your missing teeth, restoring your teeth’s appearance and functionality, even when you have osteoporosis.

However, it is helpful to consult with a skilled dentist first to understand how this can work. The dentist will discuss precautions to maintain the strength and functionality of your dental implants over time. They will also explain the treatment process to you, preparing you for what to expect.

Osteoporosis and Dental Implants

Dental implants are a widely used solution for missing teeth. If you lose one or more teeth in an accident or through damage or cavities, you need a solution that will restore your teeth’s appearance and functionality. Dental implants consist of artificial tooth roots, which are supported by a dental crown, dentures, or bridges. Once they are installed in the gap of missing teeth, they prevent jawbone loss and any bone density problems that can happen due to missing teeth. Dentists recommend dental implants for their effectiveness in replacing missing teeth, restoring tooth function, and enhancing your facial appearance and smile. You will be a lot more confident after tooth loss once you have a dental implant installed.

However, your dentist must examine you and discuss your suitability for dental implants before proceeding with the treatment process. Several issues can disqualify a person from receiving dental implants, including heavy smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, insufficient bone density, and some medical conditions like autoimmune disease. People with osteoporosis also worry a lot about whether they can benefit from dental implants after tooth loss. Remember that this condition thins and weakens your bones, making them prone to fracture with even minimal force. Fortunately, having osteoporosis does not discourage you from receiving dental implants.

You can develop osteoporosis when your bone density starts to decrease due to medical conditions such as kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or an overactive parathyroid gland. As people age, some experience a loss of bone density. This weakens your bones, increasing your risk of sustaining a bone fracture. Some women develop osteoporosis during postmenopause, when their estrogen levels decline significantly. This is a hormone that helps in the generation of new bones.

If you suffer from osteoporosis and understand the risk of bone fractures it causes, you could be concerned about getting dental implants. Remember that you need a strong jawline to support the implant for the many years you will have the implant. Discuss your concerns with your dentist to ensure you understand the risks and determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental implants.

When a dentist installs dental implants, they first place a synthetic tooth root into the jawbone. The jawbone must be strong enough to support the root. Dental implants are typically made from various materials, including zirconium oxide and titanium. Once the dentist installs the dental implant, they attach an artificial tooth to it. The artificial tooth replaces the missing one. It is expected that after the installation, your jawbone will grow around that implant, creating a stable base. This is necessary for the implant’s stability and the functionality of the artificial tooth.

Although osteoporosis can affect your bones, including your jawbone, it may not affect your dental implants. However, this does not mean that the implants are without some risk. Any procedure, even the best dental procedures, presents some risk that your dentist must discuss beforehand for effective decision-making. Here are some risks you should consider before receiving a dental implant:

  • The installation of dental implants can cause damage to your other teeth or the surrounding tissues.
  • It can affect your biting function, since an artificial tooth is not precisely like a natural tooth.
  • It may make you feel as if your tooth is loose, which can affect the functionality of the artificial tooth.
  • It can cause an infection if it is not installed correctly or if proper care is not taken after installation.

Discuss your condition in depth with your dentist before undergoing a dental implant installation procedure. Once your dentist reviews your treatment history, they will consider whether implants are suitable for you. The dentist will also examine your jawbone for bone density and assess your overall well-being to advise you on the next steps.

Ways in Which Osteoporosis Can Affect a Dental Implant

Replacing a tooth after tooth loss is highly recommended to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting, which can affect your teeth, appearance, and bite. With numerous tooth replacement options available today, dentists must assess a patient’s suitability for a particular procedure to recommend it. Dental implants are very popular because they preserve your jawbone, keep your gums and adjacent teeth healthy, and restore your ability to chew. They also enhance your appearance and smile. However, you must be a suitable candidate for dental implants for your dentist to recommend them.

Generally, osteoporosis does not impede the placement of dental implants. What matters when considering implants is the jawbone’s ability to integrate with an implant, forming a natural anchor for the artificial teeth. This can be a problem if you suffer from osteoporosis, especially if your condition affects your jawbone. If you suffer jawbone loss due to osteoporosis, and you already have an implant, you will not enjoy the longevity dental implants offer.

However, this is a rare occurrence. Many people with osteoporosis have successfully enjoyed dental implants for years. Medical research conducted in 2017 regarding this concluded that osteoporosis is not a significant cause of dental implant failure. The study was conducted on individuals who had been living with osteoporosis for years and had received dental implants. The conclusion of this research also suggests that osteoporosis can lead to a significant loss of bone density around dental implants. This affects the stability and functionality of an implant. With that information, you can make an informed decision about whether to have dental implants or seek alternative tooth replacement solutions.

If you choose dental implants, your dentist must examine your jawbone to determine if it has sufficient density for implant installation. This is crucial in ensuring that the implant receives enough anchorage to support the artificial teeth. Dentists cannot determine the extent of bone loss that is insufficient for a dental implant to be placed. However, if your dentist decides that you have sufficient bone to support the dental implant, they will recommend it.

Bisphosphonates’ Effect on a Dental Implant

Bisphosphonates are a type of medication recommended for people with osteoporosis. The medication increases your bone density while simultaneously slowing down your bone loss. They are safe medications with minimal side effects for osteoporosis patients. However, you should inform your dentist about them if you are considering dental implants.

Reviewing your medical history is part of the process your dentist must take you through before performing a major dental procedure. It entails reviewing your past medical records and the current treatments you are on. Your dentist must consider whether the medications you are currently taking have any effects on the treatment you are about to undergo. This prevents the risks of counteractions and any impediments that your current medications may have on the effectiveness of the treatment you are about to receive.

In this case, your dentist will consider whether your osteoporosis medication will affect the effectiveness of dental implants. Bisphosphonates can cause osteonecrosis in some patients, although the risk is relatively low. This is a severe condition that damages the jawbone, potentially affecting the long-term functioning of your dental implants. Thus, you are at a higher risk of implant failure if you are on this particular medication. Your dentist can recommend seeking an alternative medication for osteoporosis or an alternative procedure for your tooth loss.

However, research on the effects of bisphosphonates on dental implants is still ongoing. Further research is needed to obtain conclusive findings. Before then, discuss all your fears and concerns with your dentist. Additionally, disclose any information you believe is essential before undergoing an implant procedure.

The Importance of Bone Grafting Before Installation of Dental Implants

Bone grafting involves adding bone tissue to a jawbone to strengthen and stabilize it for the installation of dental implants. Remember that the condition of your jawbone is critical when considering dental implants. A sufficient jawbone is needed to form the basis on which your implant will be installed. The jawbone will also integrate with the implant over time, creating a stable foundation for your artificial teeth. Thus, if you do not have sufficient bone density, your dentist can recommend bone grafting before installing the implants. What they need is a bone from your body, a bone from a donor, or synthetic materials to perform the grafting.

If you suffer from osteoporosis and have lost your jawbone density, you can qualify for dental implants after bone grafting. An oral surgeon will perform a surgical treatment to add bone or synthetic material to the jawbone, improving its density and strength. This is a critical procedure, as it creates a stable base on which the dentist can install dental implants. With a stable basis, your implants will remain stable for years, which is precisely what you need after tooth loss.

However, your dentist will recommend whether grafting is needed after examining your jawbone and its underlying structures. They will assess the severity of your jawbone loss. If you have suffered bone loss but still have sufficient bone to support an implant, grafting may be unnecessary. However, if you have suffered severe bone loss, bone grafting is crucial if you require a dental implant.

Bone grafting is a significant procedure, meaning that it will take some time to heal. This can prolong the dental implant installation process. Generally, dentists recommend waiting for the required time after bone grafting to receive a dental implant (sometimes up to nine months). The exact period depends on the extent of bone grafting that the dentist needs to perform before the implants. It is crucial to allow the bone to heal after grafting before undergoing another major procedure. A properly healed bone has integrated well with the bone to form a perfect foundation for an implant.

What To Do If Implant Installation is Unsuccessful

Although having osteoporosis can influence your success with a dental implant, there is a possibility of a successful outcome. A failed installation can occur regardless of your general health. For example, it can happen if you have an untreated infection due to smoking, excessive force during the installation, poor oral hygiene, or a lack of enough bone support. If your dental implants are unsuccessful, your dentist will examine them to determine the cause of the failure. The action they take after that will depend on that cause.

For example, if the implant is damaged due to excessive force during installation, the dentist can remove the damaged one and install a new one. However, they must allow your gums some time to heal before performing the second procedure. If you have an underlying infection, treatment is necessary before repeating the procedure. An inadequate bone density can necessitate bone grafting before the second procedure.

Find an Experienced Dentist Near Me

Dental implants are an excellent way to restore missing teeth. However, there are precautions you must take before the installation procedure, especially if you have an underlying medical condition. Osteoporosis is a medical condition that affects the strength and stability of your bones. If it affects your jawbone, it can affect your suitability for dental implants. You need more information on this and an adequate examination of your jawbone for effective decision-making if you need dental implants and have osteoporosis in Northridge.

We will review your treatment history and examine your jawbone to determine your suitability for dental implants at Northridge Advanced Dentistry. We will also discuss some of the risks osteoporosis puts you at, especially after receiving dental implants. Together, we can devise a solution that yields a favorable outcome for your missing teeth. Call us at 818-701-3010 to learn more about your situation and our service.