As you consider dental implants, you’re likely focusing on how they relate to your smile. Perhaps you’re wondering whether your grin qualifies for the posts, how treatment could help your mouth, etc. Still, there’s another point you should also look into: the connection between dental implants and heart health. Implant posts have a surprising relationship with your cardiovascular system, one that’s worth noting before you commit to your new teeth. So, read on to learn the details about this connection from your Weatherford dentist.
Are Dental Implants Safe for Heart Disease Patients?
Patients with heart disease may fear that dental implants aren’t safe for them. That said, there’s no reason to fear; the posts don’t actually put a strain on your heart.
It’s quite safe for people with heart conditions to get dental implants. All in all, the patient just has to plan the treatment well and coordinate between the oral surgeon, cardiologist, and other personnel. An example would be to have yourself evaluated for anesthesia tolerance, bleeding risks, and so on before the implant surgery. By taking such precautions, someone with heart disease could receive implants without putting their heart at greater risk.
Quite frankly, not treating tooth loss is the bigger threat to heart health. That scenario leads to problems that can easily affect your cardiovascular system.
Can Dental Implants Actually Help Your Heart?
Far from harming your heart, dental implants can actually benefit it. Implant placement would improve your health in ways that protect this central organ.
Note that dental implants treat (and prevent) direct effects of tooth loss. Indeed, the posts keep harmful bacteria from gathering in smile gaps, stop adjacent teeth from tilting, and more. By addressing these potential problems, implants reduce the risk of chronic gum infections and systemic inflammation. Those latter conditions worsen heart disease when present, threatening the whole body in the process.
Of course, dental implants also enhance (and enable) a heart-friendly lifestyle. Their presence means you can chew a wider range of foods, which provide nutrients that can improve your heart’s health.
Make Sure to Consult Your Dentist
Ultimately, you should consult your dentist about heart health before you get dental implants. They can adjust your final treatment accordingly, ensuring your new teeth succeed without disturbing your heart.
It’s especially vital that you mention your heart’s health history to your oral surgeon. After all, medications like blood thinners and beta-blockers can influence surgical planning and healing. They may also want to prescribe antibiotics before surgery to prevent infection.
The connection between dental implants and heart health is real, even if it’s not obvious. Remember that relationship as you head into the treatment process.
About the Practice
Beacon Dentistry of Weatherford is based in Weatherford, TX. Led by Drs. Thomas Novak and Garrett Johannsen, our practice makes every effort to help your grin thrive for life. We thus offer many smile-related services for patients of all ages, from regular dental checkups to in-house dental implant placement. Whatever your teeth and gums may need, our team is here to provide! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (817)-761-0739.