Dental Implants Q&A
90%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review

View Before and Afters
Average Dental Implants Cost: $10,547
Learn about Dental Implants
144 people and 122 doctors are talking about Dental Implants
Get Free Email Updates
Are There Any Preventive Measures to Reduce the Chances of Bone Loss Following Dental Implants?
asked 9 months ago by anon
Latest answer by Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD
Question viewed 595 times
Tags: bone loss, medication, prevention, recommendation
Could taking Fosamax or other osteoporosis medications decrease the amount of risk?
17 answers to Are There Any Preventive Measures to Reduce the Chances of Bone Loss Following Dental Implants?
+1
Preventing Bone Loss Around Implants
If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia and your Primary care physician prescribes these medications for you, that would be the only reason for taking them. There is no indication to take them for preventio of oral bone loss. There are two main reasons for bone loss around dental implants: one is peri-implantitis and the other is extreme lateral bite forces on the tooth. The first one can be avoided by regular dental visits and cleanings by your dentist. The second one is...
more
+1
Lateral Forces can create bone loss around an implant
One of the main reasons we see bone-loss around an implant is because the tooth or 'crown' which is connected to the implant is not engineered or designed properly. Sometimes the tooth or crown receives too much pressure from an opposing tooth or a lateral force from an opposing tooth. This can over time create tension in the bone around the implant leading to bone loss around the implant.
Another main reason that we see bone loss around implants is poor hygiene....
more
Giri Palaniswamy, DDS
Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist
Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Bone loss after dental implants is unpredictable
Fosamax is actually considered a contraindication with dental implants. For the most part, it is a guessing game on if there will be significant bone loss after dental implant placement. SOME is considered normal. The restoration of a dental implant (the crown or whatever the implant is supporting) can be a factor as well, so the dentist should be sure to not "overload" the implant.
+1
Bone loss and Implant Failure....Fosomax
There are three determinative factors that could cause implant failure. One would be the improper placement of the implant itself by the periodontist, which you have no control over. Second, would be the overall health of your body and oral health before having this procedure and third, is the amount of force that is placed on the implant during the healing stages. Make sure you go to a good periodontist who does and knows about implants and can do them in his sleep! Prior to...
more
George Koutsoukos, DDS
Valencia Cosmetic Dentist
Valencia Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Bone loss
The oral hygiene is the most important factor in preventing the bone los.
You are supposed to brush twice a day and floss at lest twice a day. Make sure you brush the gingiva.It is very important that you brush the gum with gentle strokes. I would really recommend, in most of the cases, to use a soft tooth brush.
Having a good oral hygiene, is the key to preventing the bone loss.
Antoaneta Barba, DDS
Santa Ana Cosmetic Dentist
Santa Ana Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Hope this Helps
The majority of implants that fail do so prior to restoration as a result of poor placement techniques, medical issues that inhibit healing or over-exertion of forces on the implant during the healing phase( heavy pressure from an overlying denture or flipper appliance). In order to prevent bone loss around your implant be sure that your mouth is free from any disease processes before placement. Next, be sure that the implant is placed at a depth where the cement...
more
Gary Nack, DDS
Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist
Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Implants and bone loss
Biologically, the implant will loose some of the surrounding bone at there neck regardless of the manufacturer. The problem is that all the new generations of dental implants have a roughened surface all the way to the neck o f the dental implants which will be exposed to the oral environment with the bone loss. For this reason, oral hygiene at home alone is not sufficient but needs to be coupled with a professional periodontal maintenance every three months on an...
more
Edgard El Chaar, DDS
New York Cosmetic Dentist
New York Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Preventing Bone Loss around Implants
The best way to prevent bone loss around dental implants is to maintain proper dental hygiene which would include flossing. This would help prevent gum disease which will lead to bone loss in implants in the same way it would with natural teeth. Regular periodontal maintenance (cleanings) and checkups by your dentist are a must. Another factor to bone loss could be a none ideal bite which generally causes grinding (bruxism).
Dan Haas, DDS
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Bone Loss Prevention for Implants
Stay away from the medications unless absolutely medically necessary for other reasons. The biggest cause of bone loss around implants is excessive loading of the implants. Home care is important but if the implant is asked to carry an excessive load the bone around the implant will break down over time and the implant can be compromised or lost.
+1
Stopping bone loss around implants
Actually, you want avoid those drugs. They can cause you to lose the implants. Just see your hygienist every three months, brush and floss. What really counts is how they look on the Xray 4 months after they have been placed and that the forces of the bridge work is loaded properly on the implants.
Mitchell A. Josephs, DDS
Palm Beach Cosmetic Dentist
Palm Beach Cosmetic Dentist
+1
How to Prevent Bone Loss Around Implants
Taking care of dental implants is very similar to how you care for natural teeth. The most important factor in preventing bone loss around implants is to make sure you have very good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing 2-3x daily preferably with an Ultrasonic type of toothbrush. In addition, professional cleanings every 3-4 months is part of the prevention protocol. You asked about Fosamax. This medication has actually been linked to cause jaw bone deterioration in a...
more
+1
What can help bone loss
There are several ways to help bone loss around teeth or implants.
Great oral hygiene
Regular 3--4 month visits to the dentist
Using better quality dental products, rinses, sonic toothbrush, ionic water picks, etc..
Excellent occlusion, ( bite forces)\
Factors that need o be addressed:
genetics!
diet
medication
So if you take medication , be aware of the side effects.
That;s all that comes to my mind so far :)
more
+1
Fosomax will not prevent bone loss around implants.
No. Bisphosphonates like Fosomax have actually been shown to increase the risk of bone loss and actually bone death in the bones of the jaw. If you are taking bisphosphonates now or have taken them, make sure to make your surgeon aware of this if the implants have not already been placed. Immediately after placement of implants, some surgeons think it is a good idea to be on the correct antibiotic to reduce chances of infection which could cause bone loss.
It is also...
more
Christian Yaste, DDS
Charlotte Cosmetic Dentist
Charlotte Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Prevent bone loss around implants
Implants can be affected by bone loss just like teeth can, so you have to take good care of implants just like teeth. Great oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist for hygiene treatment are key. Another key factor is your bite--your dentist needs to make sure your bite is stable and even, without more pressure on the implant than on the other teeth, especially while chewing. If the bite is heavier on that tooth, simply chewing food can rock the new implant and cause...
more
Andrea Stevens, DMD
Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist
Ottawa Cosmetic Dentist
+1
Prevent bone loss around dental implants
The primary thing a dentist can do to help you with preventing bone loss around your implant is to make sure the way the teeth bite together on the implant is correct. Implants do not move when biting on them. Teeth do have some movement when chewing.
Another way to get bone loss is untreated periodontal disease. Visit the dentist regularly when you have invested in dental work.
Kathy Frazar, DDS
Houston Cosmetic Dentist
Houston Cosmetic Dentist
+1
How to prevent bone loss after dental implant placement
Hi
Dental implants are prone to 'gum disease' much the same as natural teeth. Therefore, to prevent gum disease that can lead to bone loss, one must maintain great hygiene and dental care. My usual recommendations are effective brushing and flossing and professional dental cleaning every 4 months. Smoking may be also be a factor in progressive bone loss, therefore it is best to avoid smoking.
I hope this is helpful
Dr. Kazemi
+1
Avoid medication to prevent bone loss
In general, implants help to preseve bone that without teeth or implants would probably shrink away. With that said, it is possible to lose bone around an implant like you could around a tooth when there is gum disease. Many factors can help you prevent bone loss around an implant. One thing that is important is good nutrition to help you keep your bones healthy in general. Be sure to get enough calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin D.
The way the forces of...
more
Martin Frankel, DDS
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist