3 Health Conditions To Treat Prior To Getting Dental Implants

If you have certain medical conditions, you will need to make sure they are well-managed prior to getting dental implants. The dental implant procedure can take many months, and in order to enjoy the most favorable outcome, your general state of health and oral cavity needs to be in the best condition possible. Here are three health conditions that need to be managed before you undergo your dental implant procedure:

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your body may lose some of its ability to fight off infections. Also, diabetes, especially long-standing diabetes, or diabetes that is poorly managed, can result in slow wound healing and a heightened risk for infection.

The mouth is especially susceptible to the effects of diabetes because high concentrations of glucose thrive in the moist, dark environment of the oral cavity. This, in addition to diabetes-related circulatory problems can result in fungal infections and an increased risk for bleeding.

If you have diabetes, visit your primary care physician prior to getting your dental implants. If your blood sugar levels are very high, or if you are having trouble stabilizing them, your doctor may need to adjust your medication so that your body is healthy enough to undergo oral surgery.

Bleeding Disorders

If you have certain bleeding disorders or problems with your platelets, you will need to make sure that your disorder doesn't lead to decreased platelet aggregation. When this occurs, your blood platelets become less sticky and less likely to effectively clot, so that when you have any type of surgical procedure, including dental implant surgery, you may be more likely to experience heavy bleeding.

Similarly, certain medications can decrease platelet aggregation, including prescription anticoagulants and aspirin. If you notice abnormal bruising, bleeding from the nose or mouth, or if you experience blood in your urine or stool, see your doctor. These symptoms may indicate a bleeding disorder, which will need to be treated before your dental implant procedure.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune disorders such as hypothyroidism, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome can cause slow healing, blood vessel and capillary abnormalities, and extremely dry mouth. All of these can raise the risk for complications such as infection and wound development after your dental procedure.

If you have an autoimmune disorder, make sure to take your medications as prescribed, get your necessary lab work done as ordered by your doctor, and if you suffer from dry mouth, ask your dentist to recommend a moisturizing oral rinse to help keep your mouth lubricated, while promoting the flow of saliva. You need adequate salivary flow in order to help wash away infection-causing bacteria in your mouth because when you have oral dryness, microorganisms can accumulate in your mouth.  

If you have any of the above chronic health conditions, work with both your physician and dentist prior to getting dental implants. When both disciplines are involved in your treatment plan, you are more likely to enjoy an uneventful recovery after your procedure.