Osteoporosis is a common but severe bone disease that weakens bones by reducing their density. Osteoporosis can affect anyone but is most common in postmenopausal women. This condition increases bone fragility and the risk of bone fracture. Osteoporosis affects the quality of life and increases morbidity.
Osteoporosis is very difficult to detect. This condition is often diagnosed when bone density has decreased enough to cause a fracture.
Many patients are concerned that their osteoporosis-related poor bone density would prevent them from being viable candidates for dental implants in Lansing, MI.
If you have osteoporosis and desire dental implants, you should act as soon as possible. Studies have revealed that dental implants have a greater success rate if implanted immediately after tooth extraction.
Symptoms Of Osteoporosis
Your dentist in Lansing, MImay be able to pick up on the first signs of osteoporosis, as specific oral health issues are common in the early stages of osteoporosis.
There are no known symptoms of osteoporosis. That is why it is often referred to as a silent disease. However, it would be best if you watched out for the following manifestations:
- Loss of height (getting shorter by an inch or more),
- Change in posture (stooping or bending forward),
- Shortness of breath.
- Bone fractures
- Pain in the lower back.
How Is Osteoporosis Diagnosed?
Regular X-rays alone cannot help your dentist determine whether you have osteoporosis.
Your dentist may recommend tests to give you information about your bone health. Bone mineral density (BMD) tests, also known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA) scans, can determine how solid the spine, hip, or wrist bones are.
The Relation Between Dental Implants and Osteoporosis
When your bones are frail and porous, your jawbone density may be affected too.
If your jawbone volume has been compromised by advancing osteoporosis, the bone may not accept the dental implant.
Acceptance is crucial because dental implants fuse with the patient’s jawbone to provide stability.
A skilled oral surgeon may recommend a patient get a bone grafting procedure before getting their dental implants placed.
People with unmanaged, untreated osteoporosis are only suitable candidates for bone grafting once they develop behavioral patterns that will help them limit future bone loss. On the other hand, compliant osteoporosis patients will have a better chance of being accepted as dental bone graft candidates.
What Is Bone Grafting?
A dental bone graft is a procedure performed to increase the amount of bone in a part of the jaw where the bone has been lost or where additional support is needed if further procedures, such as dental implants, are necessary.
A dentist or oral surgeon makes an incision in the jaw and grafts (attaches) other bone material to the jaw.
The preferred technique for dental bone grafting is to use the patient’s bone from the hip, tibia, or back of the jaw. This is known as an autograft.
Bone grafting may be necessary to provide a strong enough base for an implant.
Dental implants are artificial posts shaped like screws placed in the jawbone. A crown that matches nearby teeth is then affixed to the implant.
For your implants to succeed, your jawbone must fuse to the posts. This process, called osseointegration, is a natural process that occurs gradually. As the bone fuses to the bars, it stabilizes them within your jaw, enabling them to hold your dental restorations securely.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors to Improve Bone Health and Dental Implant Success
The success of a dental implant can also depend on the patient’s overall health and well-being. A balanced diet can enhance healing and success after a dental implant procedure.
A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals can help maintain good bone health and density, reducing the risk of implant failure and helping increase the longevity of your implants.
Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins help boost the immune system and promote healing.
Drinking plenty of water can help prevent dry mouth. Avoiding excessive sugary or acidic beverages can help maintain oral health and promote implant success.
Smoking can significantly slow recovery and reduce the likelihood of implant success. It is better to quit smoking six months before the dental implant procedure to improve the odds of a lasting outcome.
Ensuring good oral hygiene and proper dental care is integral to post-implant surgery treatment. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily will help minimize the likelihood of gum diseases.
Schaefer Dental Group – We Help Men And Especially Women Who Have Osteoporosis Reclaim Their Smile
If you want to replace your missing teeth, talking to a Lansing dentist at Schaefer Dental Group about dental implants is worth it. The more research goes into dental implants, the more remarkable this life-changing procedure seems.
A beautiful and healthy smile requires sufficient bone density to support your teeth. Teeth and bone also contribute to your facial structure, so people with long-term bone loss appear to have hollow cheeks and receding chins.
If you choose to get dental implants, bone grafts may be necessary to correct the effects of osteoporosis and give your new smile the support it needs.
Are you ready to restore your smile with a new set of teeth with Schaefer Dental Group? Why not talk to an experienced orthodontic dentist at our Lansing dental office, MI, about the possibility of getting dental implants?
Don’t hesitate to contact our Lansing dental office to schedule your consultation now.
