Tooth loss is surprisingly common, and when it happens, it can affect the way you bite, the way you chew, and the way you smile, which may lead to malnutrition, loss of confidence and even depression. Fortunately, lost or missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, confident smile once again.
Dental implants are recognized as the gold standard for tooth replacement, and for most patients, they represent a viable option. Still, some patients wonder whether pre-existing health conditions might make them ineligible for implant placement.
For the most part, if you are healthy enough to have regular dental treatment, you are also healthy enough to get dental implants. Even so, it may be helpful to consider a few of the most common health conditions that patients bring up in connection with dental implant placement.
Dental Implants and Pre-Existing Conditions
Hypertension
When you have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, your body has to work harder to circulate blood, and many patients are understandably anxious at the outset of a surgical procedure. Dental implants are safe in patients with controlled Hypertension. If necessary, an oral surgeon can offer additional sedation options to patients with hypertension, ensuring they can rest and relax during their procedure, minimizing the risk of any undesirable health complications.
Diabetes
Diabetes makes it more difficult for the body to heal itself, which sometimes means that people with diabetes are ineligible for certain kinds of surgery. Thankfully, dental implant placement is not one of them. People with diabetes generally heal well after dental implant placement, especially if they have their condition under control via diet, exercise, or medication.
Bone Loss
When you lose a tooth, you often lose some of your jaw bone, as well. This is because the bone requires ongoing stimulation from your tooth root. When the tooth root goes, the bone can reabsorb. Not only can this lead to unwanted changes in your facial appearance, but it can also make dental implant placement more challenging.
The good news is that, even with significant jawbone loss, you can still be an eligible candidate for dental implants. Before the implants can be anchored in place, you may need to have a bone graft performed. This is a simple, routine oral surgery in which we can help regenerate jaw bone where you need it the most.
Low Sinuses
If you get dental implants when you have low sinuses, there may be a chance of the implants interfering with your sinuses, causing discomfort. This can be avoided with an oral surgery procedure known as a sinus lift. Sinus lifts can make it possible for anyone with low sinuses to enjoy the full benefits of dental implant placement.
Find Out More About Your Options for Dental Implants! Book your consultation today!
No matter the cause or the extent of your tooth loss, restoration is possible via dental implant placement. Even if you have pre-existing health concerns, you can qualify for Dental Implant surgery. Learn more about your options for tooth replacement in Basking Ridge, NJ, from Ridge Oral Surgery & Dental Implants.