Menopause generally occurs when women are in their late 40s or 50s and is characterized by a drop in reproductive hormones. Going a whole year without menstruating and hot flashes are common symptoms of menopause. Though it’s a normal part of getting older, you may be wondering if the ways your hormones change during menopause can keep you from getting procedures like having dental implants placed. Read on to learn more about how your mouth and surrounding structures change during menopause as well as if you’ll be able to get dental implants.
Menopause Factors That Can Affect Your Dental Implant Eligibility
Though your hormones change a lot during menopause, so does your body. Two ways that the oral cavity and surrounding structures change include:
- Jawbone density – Estrogen levels drop both during menopause as well as after it’s finished. Estrogen plays a big part in bone health, so having low levels of this hormone increases one’s risk of osteoporosis. This condition is characterized by reduced bone strength and density. If someone has severe osteoporosis, this can affect their jawbone to the point where it is unable to adequately support dental implants.
- Gum disease – Along with hot flashes, dry mouth is another common part of going through menopause. Inadequate saliva production allows harmful oral bacteria to thrive, which makes menopausal and postmenopausal women more likely to develop gum disease. If this infection develops far enough, it can destroy the jawbone and gums as well as cause dental implant failure.
Can Postmenopausal Women Get Dental Implants?
Though studies have shown that postmenopausal women are often at higher risk of dental implant failure than others, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ineligible. If you are menopausal or postmenopausal and have osteoporosis or are in danger of developing it, speak with your primary care provider. They can help you either control this condition or prevent it. Implant failure is uncommon and can often be evaded byavoiding risk factors. This includes cutting out tobacco products and visiting the dentist every six months.
Even though women who are dealing with menopause or have already completed this process may have some oral health issues that can make it more difficult to get dental implants, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Speak with your dentist about your concerns and they can help you find an alternative or do what you need to do to make your mouth implant-ready!
About the Practice
Led by Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya and Dr. Dhiren Ahir, Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton takes pride in offering patients in the DFW area the exceptional oral health care they deserve. If you are a menopausal or postmenopausal person who is interested in getting dental implants, they can give you all the information you need on the procedure as well as your eligibility. Are you ready to make an appointment with Celebration Family Dental of Carrollton or do you want more information on dental implants? If so, call their office at (469) 892-6647 or visit their website to get started.