A new study by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, which was published in the International Journal of Dentistry, showed that osteoporotic women with dental implants may experience a higher overall quality of life.1
The 237-participant study examined the occupational, emotional, sexual, and general health – the overall quality of life – of those who are missing teeth and do not have dental implants versus those who are missing teeth but have received dental implants.
The study determined that dental implants had a substantial impact on a woman’s quality of life. The study included women who are missing teeth but use removable dentures, partial restorations, or no fixed dental restoration at all.
While this study was specific to improving the quality of life of women who have osteoporosis, the benefits of dental implants to patients of all ages and backgrounds can’t be denied. The fact of the matter is that you cannot obtain proper nutrition or maintain bone density if you are missing teeth, whether you are an osteoporotic and healthy patient.
By placing dental implants, patients have the benefit of improving their overall health and wellness and preventing the onset of issues caused by malnutrition, poor diet, and jaw bone loss.
The Dental Implant Process
The dental implant process begins with a small, titanium post that is placed directly into the jaw bone. That is the physical dental implant, and it will assimilate with the natural bone of the jaw while you heal after surgery. An abutment is attached to the implant screw and will secure the implant and the crown, which is the last step. The custom crown is specifically designed to resemble the rest of your teeth and is put on top of the abutment.
For those who are looking to replace missing teeth with dental implants, it is important to understand that not all dental implant manufacturers are the same. Patients should ask their oral surgeon about the type and brand of dental implants being placed to ensure that the manufacturer has a long history of success and offers a life-time guarantee on their implants and components.
When you elect to have dental implants placed, oral surgeons are the most qualified medical and dental professionals to complete the procedure. Working hand in hand with a trained and experienced restorative dentist, oral surgeons can ensure that your dental implants have the highest chance of successful integration.
While dental implants are a popular, long-term option for many that have lost a tooth, taking the preventative steps to avoid complications caused by tooth loss is always best.
If you are missing teeth or have teeth that are too unhealthy to remain in your mouth, it is important to visit your oral surgeon early for treatment. If you are interested in dental implants, have questions, or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact our office today for an appointment.
References:
- Christine DeBaz, Jenna Hahn, Lisa Lang, and Leena Palomo, “Dental Implant Supported Restorations Improve Quality of Life in Osteoporotic Women,” International Journal of Dentistry, vol. 2015, Article ID 451923, 6 pages, 2015. doi:10.1155/2015/451923.