Menopause generally occurs when women are in their late 40s or 50s and is marked by a decrease in reproductive hormones. If it’s been a year or longer since you last menstruated, this may be a sign that you’re in menopause. Hot flashes are another common symptom. Menopause is a normal part of aging, but can these hormonal changes affect your ability to get dental implants? Read on to learn more!
How Does Menopause Work?
As previously mentioned, menopause brings on changes in one’s hormone levels, namely estrogen and progesterone. It marks the end of the female reproductive years, meaning that those experiencing menopause will no longer be able to have children. Physical changes may also occur during menopause as your body adapts to the different hormone levels. These are all normal parts of your body adjusting.
Menopause Factors That Can Affect Your Dental Implant Eligibility
So, what kinds of physical changes can occur with menopause? A few common ones are:
- Jawbone density – Since estrogen is an important part of bone health, having low levels of it increases one’s risk of osteoporosis. This condition is characterized by a reduction in bone strength and density. If osteoporosis is severe enough, it can affect the jawbone to the point where it isn’t strong or dense enough to support dental implants.
- Gum disease – Another common part of menopause is dry mouth, which occurs when you aren’t producing enough saliva. This allows harmful oral bacteria to flourish and attack the tissue in your mouth, which makes you more likely to develop gum disease. Gum disease that progresses into a more serious infection called periodontitis can result in the destruction of the bone and gums. This may cause the jawbone to be too weak or damaged to hold dental implants in place.
Can Postmenopausal Women Get Dental Implants?
Researchers have found that postmenopausal women are often at a higher risk of dental implant failure than those who aren’t experiencing these hormonal changes. Even so, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a way for you to safely and successfully undergo a dental implant procedure if you’re menopausal or postmenopausal. Patients with osteoporosis or who are in danger of developing it can work with their primary care provider to prevent this condition or keep it under control. Additionally, dental implant failure can often be prevented bymanaging risk factors. This means cutting out bad habits like tobacco use and scheduling biannual visits with your dentist.
Dental implant failure is rare, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen to you. If you’re going through menopause and want to get implants, speak with your dentist so they can help keep your oral health on track and achieve a complete, beautiful smile!
About the Practice
Steele Dental offers the residents of Coppell and surrounding DFW communities a range of exceptional restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dental treatments. If you’re missing one or more teeth, they have dental implants that can fill in the gaps and help you feel more confident in your grin. Additionally, if you’re going through menopause, they can work with you to avoid oral health issues and keep your oral health in check. Call Steele Dental at (972) 315-3355 or visit their website for more information on getting dental implants after menopause or to schedule a consultation.
