Osteoporosis: Factors of bone loss and its impact on dentures – Next Smile

When the bone of the jaw becomes less dense and shrinks, it can affect the fit of the dentures. With bone loss in the jaw, the dentures lose their stable base. The result can be a loose prosthesis which no longer fits snugly in the mouth. In these cases, people often retry using adhesive cream and assume that their dental prosthesis is defective.

However, the cause usually lies elsewhere – osteoporosis. The jawbone to which the prosthesis has been individually ‘tailored’ has in fact receded or shrunk with the result that the dentures lose their firm hold. An investigation at the dentist will help to identify whether the poor fit of the denture is due to osteoporosis.

If the loose fit of the dentures is due to bone loss, there are various possible solutions to restore the good fit of the prosthesis. The simplest solution is to just reline the existing prosthesis thus restoring its proper fit. Employing dental implants is another strategy to provide a firm hold for the prosthesis again.

Can dental implants be used effectively if the bone of the jaw is affected by osteoporosis?

Yes, implants can be inserted even if the jawbone is brittle due to osteoporosis. Dental implants are in fact a proven method to replace missing teeth. The implants are introduced into the jawbone and serve as a fixed anchor for the new dentures.

In the case of decreased bone density, there may be possible restrictions on the use of implants, or there might be a longer healing time, but it is osteoporosis on its own is not a sufficient contraindication against dental implants. The dentist will create a risk profile, based on the patient’s general health and their oral situation, on the basis of which the dental treatment is planned and carried out.