If you’re considering getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth, you may be wondering whether certain health issues will affect your candidacy for the procedure. In particular, individuals with heart conditions are often concerned that they may not qualify for dental implant surgery. But is this truly an issue that you need to worry about? Here’s what you need to know about dental implants and heart health.
Are Dental Implants Safe for People with Heart Problems?
In many cases, it is indeed possible to have dental implants placed even when you have a heart condition. However, the dentist performing the treatment will have to review your overall health history to confirm that the procedure is truly right for you. In particular, they’ll need to consider your ability to tolerate anesthesia as well as your bleeding risks. Once they understand your situation, they can take the appropriate precautions to keep you safe during your surgery.
Under certain circumstances, you may be prescribed antibiotics prior to dental implant placement. This will help reduce the risk of an infection occurring after your procedure. You may also need to make adjustments to other medications that you’re currently taking.
You can expect your dentist to coordinate with your cardiologist and your primary doctor throughout the dental implant process. This is essential for putting together a treatment plan that’s safe for your heart.
Can Dental Implants Help Improve Heart Health?
While dental implants don’t help treat heart problems, they can positively impact your cardiovascular health in a couple of different ways. For one thing, they help fill in the gaps left by missing teeth. If these gaps are left empty, they can make it easier for bacteria to accumulate, which can ultimately lead to gum disease. Studies show that gum disease is associated with a higher risk for heart problems. Thus, replacing your teeth with dental implants can indirectly help protect your gum health, which is good news for your heart.
On top of that, dental implants allow you to enjoy a more varied diet. When your teeth are missing, you may end up avoiding certain difficult-to-chew foods. Unfortunately, this can include a lot of foods that are beneficial for your heart, such as apples, broccoli, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables. Dental implants will restore your ability to eat all of your favorite foods again, thus making it easier to stick to heart-friendly dietary decisions.
In short, even if you have a heart condition, you don’t have to give up on getting dental implants. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist today if you’re ready to find out whether sturdy implant posts are the best option for your smile.
About the Practice
At Dental Designs of Maryland, our team is proud to offer ethical, compassionate dental care that takes full advantage of the latest technology. We always take the time to make sure we fully understand your situation before we give any recommendations for your oral healthcare. Our skilled dental experts in White Marsh offer start-to-finish dental implant treatments for replacing any number of teeth. If you’re looking for a solution for an incomplete smile, visit our website, use our online booking tool, or call (410) 931-9400 to schedule an appointment with our team.