Many experts consider dental implants the ideal solution for replacing missing teeth due to their unique advantages. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they include a titanium rod placed in your jawbone to function like a root. Not only does this allow your restoration to function as a sturdy, standalone structure, but it also prevents the bone loss that occurs after teeth are lost.
However, if you’re currently experiencing menopause, you might wonder whether your current condition precludes you from undergoing the implant procedure. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What is Menopause?
Although everyone’s experience is unique, most people experience developmental changes at certain stages in life. For example, most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. This occurs when your ovaries no longer release eggs every month and your production of hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, decreases.
This shift in your chemical makeup can cause a range of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. But did you know that it can also impact your dental well-being?
How Does Menopause Impact My Oral Health?
Estrogen is a group of hormones primarily known for their role in female reproductive growth and development. However, it also serves other bodily functions you might not have been aware of. For example, it also influences mood regulation, can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and helps maintain bone density. That means your jawbone begins to thin once you start menopause, which can contribute to additional tooth loss.
Hormonal fluctuations can also cause reduced saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Unfortunately, bacteria thrive in arid conditions, which can increase your vulnerability to cavities and gum disease as well.
Can I Get Dental Implants with Menopause?
Dental implants involve surgically placing titanium posts into your jawbone. Then, it can take several months to heal because your jaw must produce enough new bone growth to fuse with the metal rod in a process called osseointegration. If it’s too thin to begin with or your body doesn’t produce enough bone tissue, you might not successfully complete this stage of recovery. You’re also at an increased risk of developing peri-implantitis, an advanced form of periodontal disease, and the leading cause of failure.
Thankfully, there are things you can do to regulate your hormones to reduce the impact of menopause. Eating wholesome foods, exercising regularly, hormone therapy, and minimizing alcohol and tobacco use can all help. Plus, in many cases, your oral surgeon can perform a bone graft procedure to bulk up your jaw enough to continue with implants.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your provider!
Meet the Author
Dr. J. Darrell Steele has decades of experience helping improve people’s lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his dental doctorate at the Baylor College of Dentistry before undergoing an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency that included advanced training in complex procedures like jaw and facial surgery, cosmetics, and dental implants. Today, he utilizes state-of-the-art technology, such as the YOMI dental implant robot, to upgrade patient comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 315-3355.
