Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to replace missing teeth because of the unique advantages of placing them directly into your jawbone. However, unlike alternatives like dentures or dental bridges, this treatment also involves oral surgery. That means you must be healthy enough to undergo this procedure.
But if you already have heart problems, you might wonder whether you’re a good candidate for this treatment. Continue reading to learn more about who might be qualified and how dental implants can potentially improve your oral and overall health!
How Are Oral and Heart Health Connected?
You’re not alone if you’re surprised at the notion that your dental condition might be affecting your heart. But the truth is that the two are closely linked, and if one suffers, the other might also. For example, if you develop gum disease and it remains untreated, the infection can eventually enter your bloodstream and elevate your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. As the inflammation escalates, so does the risk of worsening heart disease or stroke.
Not only that, but it can also contribute to the development of other chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and pancreatic issues.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dental implants are the only replacement teeth that involve surgically placing one or more support rods in your jaw, which eventually fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Once you’ve recovered sufficiently from the procedure, your dentist can take impressions of your mouth to design your one-of-a-kind restoration that anchors to these poles for a more reliable, longer-lasting solution for tooth loss.
Furthermore, the procedure has an incredibly high success rate of over 90%, meaning that most patients won’t develop adverse effects as long as they follow the provided post-operative instructions carefully.
Can Getting Dental Implants Improve My Heart Condition?
Some patients worry that their pre-existing heart condition might preclude them from undergoing oral surgery, but that’s not always the case. However, it’s essential that you let your provider know about the issue and any medications or supplements you take regularly, so they can take any necessary precautions. For instance, they might prescribe specific antibiotics before surgery to help prevent infection afterward, or recommend temporary medication adjustments before continuing.
Fortunately, getting dental implants can help reduce the risk of gum disease and other oral issues because they function more like natural teeth than alternative treatments. This can help avoid chronic infections, which can, in turn, potentially improve your heart health.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for dental implants, you can find out by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. John Jared Waite takes pride in helping improve his patients’ lives by helping them build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry, and today he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including dental implant placement and restoration, all under one roof to meet your unique needs. Then he uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver more accurate, comfortable treatment results that last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (719) 282-3400.