Richard asks:
A friend of mine recalls several elderly ladies with implants having problems with implants not holding because of osteoporosis. Is this true? If a woman has osteoporosis should she not get implants?
Dear Richard:
Osteoporosis, which is a condition frequently seen in post-menopausal women results in bones that are less dense and more prone to fracture. Osteoporosis itself is not a contraindication for implants. I have many women in my practice that have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have implants that are doing fine, and have been for many years.
However, there are some medications for osteoporosis that can present a problem if the person is considering the placement of implants. These medications (especially the injectable ones) alter the bone turnover rate and have been associated with complications with the healing of bone after surgery. It is important that the implant surgeon consult with the physician for any contraindications prior to the placement of implants.
I hope this answers your question.
Carlos Boudet, DDS, DICOI
http://www.boudetdds.com
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