The Best Replacement Teeth for Women?

What are the risks for tooth loss? Poor dental habits, nutritional choices, and lifestyle risks (such as participation in high contact sports) certainly factor in. Believe it or not, hormones can also exacerbate one’s propensity towards the loss of permanent teeth. Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis are considered the highest risk category for losing teeth. When this unfortunate dental event occurs in the life of a woman, what is her best choice for replacement?

Different Ways to Replace Teeth

According to the results of a new study by Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, the best tooth replacement option for women with osteoporosis is dental implants. Leena Palomo, associate professor of periodontics and corresponding author of “Dental Implant Supported Restorations Improve the Quality of Life in Osteoporotic Women” was at the helm of the study which focused on dental implications of osteoporosis. The scientists surveyed 237 different women and focused on questions designed to understand satisfaction levels of varying replacement teeth.

More Satisfaction

Study volunteers came from the Case/Cleveland Clinic Postmenopausal Wellness Collaboration, and had agreed to be part of a health information database. Osteoporotic women missing at least one tooth were selected for the research pool. Types of restoration to missing teeth included implants, fixed partial dentures, and removable dentures. Those women who had opted for dental implants had a higher overall satisfaction in multiple areas of their lives, including social interactions and romance. Fixed dentures came in second place. Noted Palomo, “We need hard data to drive our decision-making about which is best for the patient.”

ABOUT YOUR HIGHLAND PARK DENTIST:

Dr. Brent Engelberg and his highly-skilled team proudly serve patients and their families from Arlington Heights, IL, and all surrounding communities, including; Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and the Northern and Northwest Chicago Suburbs. To learn more, schedule a consultation online, or call our office today at 847-259-8030.