Dental implant surgery might grant a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that do not fit well.
What is dental implant surgery?
It is a process that removes tooth roots with metal inserted into the jaw and replaces damaged or missing teeth with artificial ones that closely resemble natural teeth in appearance and function. They offer support for artificial teeth to improve a person’s appearance or chewing abilities.
How the surgery is carried out depends on the type of implant and the condition of your jawbone.
Substantially, dental implants may be a good option for you if:
- You have healthy oral tissues.
- You have lost one or more teeth.
- You don’t have any medical issues that could interfere with bone healing.
- You either have sufficient bone to anchor the implants or are able to perform a bone graft.
- You are unable to wear or refuse to wear dentures.
- Your jawbone has completed its growth.
There are three stages to the dental implant:
- Implant placement
- Attaching the abutment to the crown
- Abutment fixation screw
By means of surgery, the dental implant body is positioned in the jawbone in place of the natural tooth’s root. The dental implant abutment typically extends through the gums into the mouth to support the attached artificial teeth and is fastened to the implant body by the abutment fixation screw. The implant’s surrounding bone needs to heal firmly, which may take months to recover.
Symptoms you may encounter after implant surgery:
- Surgical site bleeding.
- Mild facial and mouth edema.
- Light bruises and jaw stiffness.
Recommendations after dental implant surgery:
- Following dental implant surgery, you could require painkillers or antibiotics.
- Contact your oral surgeon if swelling, discomfort, or any other issue worsens in the days following surgery.
- You might need to eat soft foods throughout each step of surgery to promote wound healing.
- Your surgeon will typically use self-dissolving stitches. If your stitches don’t dissolve on their own, your doctor will remove them.
- Following the treatment, your pain may linger for 3 to 5 days. It’s possible that you simply need to take painkillers for one or two days.
- You may experience jaw stiffness, bruising, and swelling for a while longer. Following the procedure, these symptoms should go away in 7 to 10 days.
- Consult with your oral surgeon or dentist if your pain persists or worsens after two weeks.
Is it possible to undergo dental implantation if osteoporosis is present?
If you’re dealing with osteoporosis, dental implants provide a secure and efficient solution for replacing missing teeth. Osteoporosis, characterized by a reduction in bone density, can lead to increased fragility and susceptibility to fractures, particularly postmenopause due to declining estrogen levels, a hormone crucial for bone regeneration.
Dental implants involve the placement of an artificial tooth root into the jawbone by an oral surgeon. Typically crafted from titanium or zirconium oxide, these implants serve as sturdy foundations. Subsequently, a prosthetic tooth is affixed to the implant, seamlessly replacing the missing tooth. Following the procedure, the bone naturally integrates with the implant, forming a durable bond.
Is undergoing a dental implant procedure safe if you have osteoporosis?
A research review from 2017 affirmed the safety of dental implants for individuals with osteoporosis. However, as with any medical procedure, it’s essential to acknowledge potential risks. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these risks may include:
- Injury to surrounding tissues or adjacent teeth.
- Insufficient biting function.
- Sensation resembling that of a loose tooth.
- Risk of infection.
Prior to contemplating dental implant surgery, it is crucial to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon to ascertain its suitability for your situation. They can evaluate your bone density and overall health to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.
What impact does osteoporosis have on dental implants?
According to a study conducted in 2020, osteoporosis can compromise the general stability of dental implants. Decreased bone density may contribute to a less stable dental implant, potentially leading to its failure.
Although your bone may effectively integrate with the implant and secure it in its position initially, it might not offer sufficient stability or endurance against chewing over the long term.
Could bone loss contribute to the failure of dental implants?
The integration of your bone with the implant plays a crucial role in the success of dental implants. However, it remains uncertain whether bone loss associated with osteoporosis impacts the long-term viability of the implant.
A review of 15 studies conducted in 2017 found no evidence indicating that osteoporosis led to higher rates of implant failure. Nonetheless, it did reveal increased bone loss around the implant site due to osteoporosis. This implies that while the implant may be less stable, it can still be considered successful.
What degree of bone loss poses a concern for implant placement?
At present, there are no precise criteria delineating a threshold of bone loss deemed unsuitable for implant surgery. Research from 2017 indicates that individuals with osteoporosis are typically cleared for implant surgery, irrespective of the extent of bone loss.
Is bone grafting a prerequisite prior to undergoing dental implant placement?
Bone grafting entails a surgical intervention where bone or bone-like material is added to the jawbone, enhancing its density. This procedure establishes a sturdy foundation for the dental implants to securely integrate into the jawbone.
The necessity of bone grafting hinges on the extent of bone loss present in the jawbone. If there is insufficient bone density to support the implant, bone grafting might be deemed necessary.
The determination of whether a bone graft is required is typically based on imaging studies and bone density scans. According to a study from 2021, as many as half of all dental implant procedures necessitate bone grafting.
Could bisphosphonates have an impact on dental implants?
Bisphosphonates, a class of medications used in treating osteoporosis, function by slowing down bone loss and enhancing bone density. Despite their generally recognized safety, it remains uncertain whether they exert any influence on the success of dental implants.
One potential risk associated with bisphosphonates is the development of a condition known as osteonecrosis of the jaw, which can lead to significant deterioration of the jawbone.
Individuals undergoing intravenous bisphosphonate therapy may face an elevated risk of implant failure. A study from 2016 suggested a potential correlation between intravenous bisphosphonates and increased implant failure rates, although further investigation is required to validate these findings.
Hence, it is imperative to inform your dentist or oral surgeon about any bisphosphonate medication you are taking.
Failed dental implants
Should your dental implant prove unsuccessful, your dentist or oral surgeon will assess the reasons behind the failure and devise an optimal plan for future steps.
In certain instances, extraction of the implant might be required, followed by insertion of a new implant following a period of healing. Alternatively, additional interventions such as bone grafting may be recommended to enhance the prospects of success for the replacement implant.
Collaborating with a proficient and seasoned dentist or oral surgeon is essential. They possess the expertise to evaluate your requirements thoroughly and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you.
References:
Dental Implants: What You Should Know | FDA
Galaxy Clinic Pro Root Canal Treatment, Fillings & Extra Services (galaxydent.net)
Dental Implant Pain: What’s Typical & When to Get Help (healthline.com)
https://www.healthline.com/health/osteoporosis/osteoporosis-and-dental-implants#summary
