Have Osteoporosis But Want A Dental Implant? How Platelet-Rich Plasma Could Help

Dental implants need a strong jawbone to be successful, so people with osteoporosis may have a difficult time becoming good candidates for this surgery because they have increased porosity in their bone tissue. Furthermore, common osteoporosis medications, such as bisphosphonates, can interfere with proper bone healing after implant surgery. While osteoporosis can be a contraindication, you shouldn't rule yourself out of an implant procedure without talking with your dentist first. There are things your dentist can do to mitigate complications. For example, your dentist might want to try platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve your implant success rate.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelets are cells that are found in the blood. They are involved in clotting, and they release growth factors that help with wound healing. During PRP treatments, a blood sample is taken from a patient and then centrifuged so that the platelet-rich plasma is removed from other blood elements. The PRP can then be directly injected into injured or diseased tissue to improve recovery times.

How Is PRP Used in Dental Implant Procedures?

Sometimes, dentists place PRP in the alveolar socket after a tooth extraction before a dental implant is placed. PRP can also be used during a sinus lift procedure, as these surgeries are sometimes required if there isn't enough space in the maxillary jaw to support implants. Lastly, dental implants themselves can be coated with PRP and other biomaterials to improve healing.

How Does PRP Help Osteoporosis Patients Specifically?

Again, patients with osteoporosis may be taking bisphosphonates, which can affect wound healing and the strength of the jaw. One study found that PRP application, along with curettage of necrotic bone tissue, could be an effective and minimally invasive way to reduce bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. These PRP applications can reduce bleeding and help bone tissue regenerate.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

One disadvantage of PRP is the additional cost of this treatment. Although a small disadvantage, some patients may not want to undergo a venipuncture and blood draw. Patients having tooth extractions with delayed implant loading may not benefit from PRP treatments, as the PRP effects can decrease after a few days.

However, if you and your dentist decide to go ahead with immediate implant loading after an extraction, PRP could be incredibly beneficial during recovery. Again, PRP can be beneficial during preparatory surgeries, like sinus lifts or bone grafting. Lastly, PRP treatments are low-risk and there are few side effects.

If you are suffering from osteoporosis and want a dental implant, reach out to your dentist for more information. PRP treatments are one way to mitigate complications, but your dentist may have other solutions that could work for your situation.

Contact a dental office, such as Rabel Family Dentistry, for more information.