Learn About Osteoporosis and Dental Implants in South East Calgary
Osteoporosis is a very common bone disorder that affects approximately 2.2 million Canadians over the age of 40. It affects the density of the bones and leads to excessive bone loss, insufficient bone production, or both. Even though people living with Osteoporosis may do not think of their oral care as being an issue related to the disease, it can have a significant effect on those who need dental implants. Fortunately, dentists that specialize in Dental Implants in South East Calgary have experience helping patients who have Osteoporosis.
Understandably, some patients are concerned that Osteoporosis will prevent them from getting dental implants because their bone density isn’t ideal. This might be true for some patients, but it’s not true for everyone. A dentist specializing in Dental Implants in South East Calgary may advise that you undergo a CT scan to determine whether dental implants are suitable for you.
What is Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis causes bones to become porous, which weakens them significantly. Although the natural structure of bones contains small holes and spaces, healthy bones contain fewer of these holes and spaces than those seen in an individual with Osteoporosis. As a result of osteoporosis, bones lose their density or mass and can become abnormally shaped. Thus, bones that become less dense are weaker and much more prone to breaking. Osteoporosis accounts for approximately one-third of all broken bones in females and one-fourth of all broken bones in males over age 50.
How Does Osteoporosis Affect Dental Implants?
Osteoporosis affects all bones in the body including the jaw bone. This means that those with Osteoporosis may be more at risk of dental implant difficulties. Why? Because the process of receiving dental implants involves the implantation of a small metal rod into the jaw bone, which then holds the implant itself into place. Even though there might be some concern as to increased chances of dental implant failure in those with Osteoporosis, dentists who specialize in Dental Implants in South East Calgary can still help. Those with Osteoporosis can still get dental implants, even if it takes a little extra planning to make sure that there isn’t any risk of implant failure.
There are some options for those with Osteoporosis who wish to get Dental Implants in South East Calgary. For example, your dentist may give you small dental implants or an allograft to rebuild the jaw bone enough to support the dental implants.
Medications typically prescribed to those with Osteoporosis, such as bisphosphonates, slow down the progression of bone loss. While this is a good thing, generally speaking, the medication can, unfortunately, slow down your jaw bone’s healing time after surgery. There have been some reports of implant failure associated with bisphosphonate treatments. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are excluded from being a candidate for Dental Implants in Calgary.
According to the research, osteoporosis doesn’t necessarily exclude you from getting dental implants. If you have Osteoporosis, the best thing to do is speak to your dentist about your options for getting Dental Implants in South East Calgary.
If you are interested in finding out more about dental implants, give our office a call to set up an initial consultation today.
Learn More About Dental Implants in South East Calgary
At Inglewood Family Dental, we believe that dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth. Contact us at (403) 265-5888 to request your consultation with an experienced Calgary dentist at Inglewood Family Dental today!
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