If you are an older woman, then you may have some experience with the way that bone thinning has affected your body. And, you may even have developed osteoporosis. If you have the condition and also need a dental implant, then there are a few things that your dentist will likely ask you to do before going through your surgery. Keep reading to learn what they are.
Stop Taking Bisphosphonates
Bisphosphonates are fairly standard medications that are provided to people with osteoporosis. These medicines disrupt the bone remodeling process in a way that the mature and solid bone does not break down. And while this is a good way to ensure that bone density is retained, this can cause some significant issues when it comes to dental implant healing. Specifically, it keeps the bone from developing as strongly and securely around the implant root. And in fact, new bone may not attach to the device due to the medication usage.
So, there is a chance that you may be asked to stop taking your bisphosphonates for a period of time while the dental implant process is planned and completed.
Bisphosphonates work as long term medications and typically will remain active for six months or longer after they are discontinued. So, you may need to work on a long-term plan with your dentist to discontinue your medication while also ensuring that your bones remain strong and free from fractures.
You may be able to switch osteoporosis medications for a time period. Speak with your doctor or your dentist about the taking calcitonin instead or going on short-term estrogen replacement therapy.
Increase Your Vitamin And Mineral Intake
One of the keys to ensuring that the bones, including the jaw, remain as strong as possible is to consume an ample amount of vitamins and minerals. The minerals help to provide the bones with the building blocks to form new tissues to ensure that osseointegration is possible. Also, since the bone tissue is damaged during the implant process, the minerals also allow for a healing process that reduces the chance of tissue death or necrosis.
Large amounts of calcium and vitamin D are essential to the process, but you also need to remember some of the other nutrients like vitamin C and K. Potassium, as well as protein, and some trace minerals are required too, so you want to eat a diverse and balanced diet and take some vitamin supplements as well.
For more information, contact companies like Serafimov Dental.
Share
