Implants Keep Bone Loss from Occurring and Altering How You Look

We stress implants for a very good reason:  it's the only way to prevent bone loss in your jaw when teeth are missing.  Over time, bone loss distorts your appearance, which is obviously something you don't want and we don't want.  Implants are the best way to keep bone loss from occurring and altering how you look. 

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Implants Treat the Disease of Bone Loss

The bone around tooth roots is a special kind of bone:  alveolar bone.  It receives stimulation from the roots of the teeth it encloses.  Alveolar bone is healthy unless subject to inflammation from periodontal (gum) disease, which cause it to recede, or if the forces of chewing are greater than the capacity of the bone to withstand.  The full-mouth series of radiographs above clearly shows some teeth, and some segments of teeth, to have significantly reduced levels of bone.  The one universal truth about alveolar bone is that it resorbs (shrinks) when teeth are removed, because the bone loses its stimulation.  The best thing about dental implants is that they preserve bone.  Placed as soon as possible after tooth loss, the implants stimulate bone in the same way that natural tooth roots used to.  This means that possible dental implants  should ideally be included in treatment planning before teeth are removed.  A CT Scan can be used with dental imaging software to determine the exact location, size and number of implants.  By preserving bone, dental implants counteract the results of tooth loss and aging, and help control facial changes.  They give you the security of knowing things will stay in place when you eat, talk and smile.  They contribute to your comfort, quality of life, and self esteem.


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Maintain Healthy Bones Throughout Life

Osteoporosis

Bones provide structure for your body, protect organs, anchor muscles and store calcium. Protecting bone health is easier than you think.  Bone is continually remodelling itself, but after the age of 30 you lose slightly more than you gain.  

The higher your peak bone mass, the less likely you are to develop osteoporosis as you age.  Some factors that affect bone health--getting older, being a woman, your race, frame size and family history--you can't change.

Prevent Bone Loss

But, there are many things you can do to prevent or slow bone loss:  Include plenty of calcium in your diet. The Institute of Medicine recommends 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day for women up to age 50 and men up to age 70.  Women over 50 and men over 70 require 1,200 mg per day. Dietary sources of calcium are dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, canned salmon with bones, sardines and soy products (tofu).  Vitamin D: up to age 70, at least 600 international units (IUs) daily.  Over the age of 70, 800 IUs are recommended.  Besides sunlight, sources are oily fish (tuna and sardines), egg yolks, fortified milk, and vitamin D supplements.  People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis, so include physical activity in your daily routine.  Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging or climbing stairs for 30 minutes a day help slow bone loss.  Avoid tobacco use and more than two alcoholic drinks per day.  Anorexia and bulimia are risks for bone loss.  Stomach surgery (gastrectomy), weight-loss surgery and some conditions (Crohn's disease, celiac disease and Cushing's disease) can affect your body's ability to absorb calcium.  

For women, bone density drops dramatically due to reduced estrogen after menopause.  Your physician may recommend hormone replacement therapy, keeping in mind that there are risks associated with it.  There are medications, such as bisphosphonates (Fosomax, Boniva) designed to maintain bone mass, that your physician may recommend.  

Source:  Mayo Clinic.com  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309