Can You Get Dental Implants With Osteoporosis?
Dental implants are an increasingly popular method of replacing lost teeth. Implants are not for everybody though. If you have osteoporosis, there is a possibility that you might not qualify for implants. Before talking to your dentist, here is some information you need to know.
What Is Necessary for Implants?
The most important factor in whether or not you can get implants while having osteoporosis is your bone density. Implants are inserted into your jawbone. If you have poor bone density or the bone is weak, you might not be a candidate for implants. Not only does the bone need to support the implants, but good bone density equates to a better recovery period.
There is a surgical option that could help build up your bone density though. Your dentist could perform a bone graft to give you the support needed for an implant. Bone would be taken from another area in your body and grafted to your jawbone. In some instances, a synthetic bone could be used for the grafting.
What Other Conditions Could Impact Your Eligibility?
Your dentist will not only look at your bone density, but he or she will also look at your overall dental health. Gum disease and poor hygiene practices can make you ineligible for implants.
The medications you are taking are also important. Some of the medications that you take for osteoporosis, particularly bisphosphonates, can slow down the recovery time after implants. They can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis in the jaw. As a result, your jawbone will not be able to support the new implants.
Other underlying conditions, such as diabetes and being a smoker, could influence whether or not the dentist is able to perform the procedure.
What Can You Do?
The first step in helping improving your odds of being eligible for implants is to get control of your condition. Even though osteoporosis is a progressive condition, its progress can be slowed with proper management. Take your medications, exercise, and eat a healthy diet to slow the disease. You should also work with your treating physician to develop other methods to slow the disease. Your dentist might also have ideas to help you meet the criteria for implants.
Having osteoporosis does not automatically disqualify you for dental implants, but it can make it tricky for you and your dentist. Talk to your dentist about other options for replacing missing teeth in case you are ineligible for implants. You can also look online for more information on implants, such as at http://www.adazzlingsmile.com
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