Jaw bone density for implants: Decreased bone density for any reason is called osteoporosis. This type of disease affects the structure of all bones in the body, including the jaw bone. Therefore, in cases such as dental implant implantation, disturbances may occur. Now the question is, what should be the density of the jaw bone for the implant? What should be done if there is not enough bone density for implant placement?
Osteoporosis is mainly seen in elderly people. However, in rare cases, they may also be involved in young people. In any case, checking the condition and density of the jaw bone for implant placement will be one of the most important measures before the dental implant.
The importance of examining the bone density for a dental implant becomes clear when the post has to be welded to the jawbone. The post is the base of the implant, which is made of titanium and is compatible with the gum tissue. Undoubtedly, if the jaw bone is not dense enough, there is a possibility of the implant being loose and rejected.
In this article, we are going to discuss all the details related to the importance of bone density in implant placement. We will see what methods the doctor will use to treat it if the density is not enough.
Today, dental implants are considered as one of the most effective ways to replace permanently removed teeth. Doctors should check the physical conditions of their patients completely before proceeding with this treatment method. For example, having osteoporosis can cause implant failure. Therefore, it is necessary to measure and check the density of the jaw bone for the implant before proceeding with the dental implant. Keep in mind that implant placement for patients with osteoporosis may be challenging, but not impossible.
A healthy jawbone is one of the important factors in the success of the implant implantation process (Osseointegration). For this reason, implant implantation is considered a potential threat for patients with osteoporosis.
It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that all men and women may suffer from osteoporosis. However, the possibility of getting this disease will be greater for women, especially after menopause.
The importance of jawbone density for implants is so great that in the past, doctors refused to implant implants for people with osteoporosis. Patients who did not have enough jawbone strength were forced to use dental prostheses. Dentures or dental bridges have an artificial appearance. For this reason, most people were not satisfied with their appearance. In many cases, the unnatural appearance of the teeth will cause a loss of self-confidence in people.
After that, artificial teeth and prostheses can cause problems in speaking and eating. In this way, in addition to its side effects, osteoporosis greatly reduces people’s quality of life.
But today, the implant is done for patients with osteoporosis as well as for healthy people. Studies have shown that patients with this condition can also get good results from implant placement.
Jaw bone density is important for the implant because it will help it last. Living bones can continuously regenerate. For this reason, when the base of the implant is placed inside the jawbone, bone tissue will be formed around it. This ensures the strength and durability of this piece.
After placing the implant in the jaw bone, a hematoma is formed and finally, the lamellar bone is formed. Bone regeneration will continue for some time after implantation. Considering that sufficient bone growth is necessary for the strength of the implant base, therefore, the condition of osteoporosis patients should be examined from this point of view.
Bisphosphonates are drugs prescribed for various bone disorders. Diseases such as metastatic cancers and even osteoporosis can be cured with the help of these drugs. The side effects caused by this drug will lead to osteonecrosis of the jaw bone. Osteonecrosis of the jaw bone causes the death of the jaw bone tissue.
Bone is living tissue. For this reason, it needs blood to survive. Osteonecrosis cuts off or reduces blood flow to the jaw. Because of this, bone cells will be destroyed.
Among the types of bisphosphonate drugs, the oral version has the least side effects. People who take oral bisphosphonates are less likely to develop osteonecrosis of the jaw bone. As a result, jaw bone density will be sufficient for implants in these patients. For this reason, many patients who use the oral type of the mentioned drugs can do implants without any problems.
It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that osteonecrosis of the jaw bone is not caused only by the bisphosphonate drug. But a special type of it that is caused by drugs is known as drug-related osteonecrosis.
Other necessary measures before placing the implant include:
Implantation failure due to the lack of density of the jaw bone for the implant occurs in different ways. The loosening of the implant or its rejection is the main thing that occurs. The lack of sufficient jaw bone density for implant placement reduces the contact surface between the base and the bone. Also, osteoporosis causes insufficient bone tissue around it. This issue can eventually lead to loosening and falling of the implant.
Another important issue is the time interval between the preparation for implant placement and the placement of the base in the jawbone. In this period, it is necessary to take care to minimize the risk of implant failure. The implant specialist doctor must teach the patient the necessary care. Also, the attending physician must confirm the presence or absence of osteonecrosis of the jaw bone by conducting sufficient examinations. Performing detailed examinations minimizes the risk of implant failure.
Undoubtedly, the probability of successful implantation is very high in people who have strong bones with sufficient density. For this reason, the probability of implant success for patients with osteoporosis should be fully investigated. According to the studies, the probability of success in patients with osteoporosis is not much different from the success rate of implantation in healthy people. This group of patients should only be under more care.
Implant implantation for patients with osteoporosis does not require special care. Even in many cases, it is not necessary to stop taking oral bisphosphonates during the treatment period. But some of the things that patients should do are:
So far, we have found that patients with osteoporosis can also use dental implants. Doctors can even minimize the risk of failure by taking appropriate measures. For example, they can make the implants in a suitable shape so that the low density of the jaw bone for the implants does not cause them to loosen. Doctors must obtain accurate information about the level of osteoporosis in the patient by using tomography.
Patients should pay attention to the important points in this field. The first point is to choose a specialist doctor. Remember that the doctor chosen for treatment must have sufficient experience and knowledge in the field of implant implantation for patients with osteoporosis. Such a doctor can perform the treatment with the least amount of risk.
The second point is about providing a detailed medical history to the doctor. The patient should share with the doctor all the information related to the treatments, history of osteoporosis, and other underlying diseases. Remember that more information will help the doctor to decide on the best implant placement method.
Usually, jaw surgery and bone grafting are used in cases where people have jaw bone loss. Now the question is whether this method can be used to compensate for the lack of jawbone density for implants or not.
It depends on the doctor’s opinion to determine how effective bone grafting is for patients with osteoporosis. Sometimes, by replacing the jawbone with grafted bone, the conditions for implanting a dental implant may be provided. In such a situation, a person can do it without worrying about the implant being loose or rejected.
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