If you are reading this, you may have interest in pursuing dental implants and are looking at your options. Dental implants are innovative and offer countless benefits, making them favored over removable dentures or bridges. Dental implant mechanics are relatively simple; the first step is to insert a small, medical-grade titanium post into the jaw bone. That post is the physical implant that naturally bonds with the jaw bone. Next, an abutment is attached to the implant. Finally, the crown is placed on top of the abutment, securing the three pieces together. The end result looks like a natural tooth. Dental implants are very secure, offering long-term convenience and a new sense of confidence in patients.
This positive trend is something we have experienced with our patients who have received dental implants, but now, according to a new study by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and published in the International Journal of Dentistry, osteoporotic women who have dental implant procedures to replace teeth that have been lost may experience a higher overall quality of life.
They studied 237 participants, comparing those who had missing teeth replaced by dental implants versus those who have missing teeth and do not have dental implants. The study also observed their overall health, including emotional, sexual, and overall quality of life. It concluded that dental implants as a replacement for missing teeth has a direct positive relationship on a woman’s quality of life compared to those who are living with missing teeth or use partial restorations or removable dentures.
Osteoporosis is a bone condition that causes a loss of bone or hinders the regeneration of bone. Osteoporosis sufferers are more prone to breaks or fractured bones. Osteoporosis affects women more than men due to loss of estrogen during menopause, but osteoporosis ensues based on a number of factors, like aging, hormonal changes, or calcium or vitamin D deficiency.
Many people don’t realize how osteoporosis can directly impact their oral health. If you have osteoporosis, you can lose bone in the jaw, and this can lead to tooth loss and a weakened jaw bone. If you needed dental implants, you wouldn’t be able to move forward with the procedure unless you had a bone graft restoration prior to the dental implant placement. Jaw bone loss can also cause dentures to be ill-fitting or unsupported, causing additional discomfort.
Your best bet to avoid tooth loss and osteoporosis is to take preventative steps. While dental implants are an excellent solution for tooth loss, routine oral hygiene and maintaining your general health are the best ways to ensure a healthy smile and body. If you are interested in learning more about dental implants or would like to schedule a consultation to have your questions answered, please contact our office today!