Dental Implants and Your Cardiovascular Health

If you’re missing teeth, durable, lifelike dental implants can permanently restore their appearance and function. But if you’re one of the nearly half of all American adults with a heart condition, you may be wondering if this procedure is safe. The good news is that while having cardiovascular problems won’t necessarily disqualify you from getting dental implants, there are some important factors that your dentist and cardiologist must consider before giving you the green light. Here’s a closer look at how this procedure works when you have a heart condition, and how dental implants could help protect your oral and cardiovascular health!

What are Dental Implants?                    

Dental implants are the world’s only permanent tooth replacement solution. Made of either titanium or zirconium, they are surgically inserted into the jawbone to simulate the roots of a tooth, and capped with a crown, bridge, or denture to restore its appearance and function. Because they are fused with the jaw via a process known as osseointegration, dental implants provide important bone stimulation that keeps your remaining teeth healthy and strong, preventing further loss and even reducing the risk of dental implant failure and periodontal disease.

Cardiovascular Considerations: How Your Heart Health Could Affect Dental Implant Treatment

If you have a heart condition such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, use a pacemaker, or have any other issues that could complicate a surgical procedure, it is important that you discuss this with your dentist during your dental implant consultation. They will likely need to coordinate with your cardiologist to ensure that you are in good enough health to undergo a surgical procedure and develop a safe recovery plan for post-op recovery, as although having a heart condition won’t automatically disqualify you from candidacy for dental implants, it may necessitate some extra precautions.

How Dental Implants Benefit Your Health

If you are healthy enough to undergo dental implant surgery, the good news is that this treatment can have a variety of benefits for both your oral and overall health. First, because they prevent future tooth loss and help keep your mouth strong and healthy, your restorations could help reduce the risk of gum disease. Furthermore, restoring your smile could even allow you to improve your diet, making it easier to chew a variety of healthy proteins and fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Finally, there’s something to be said about the boost in confidence you can experience with dental implants. Although self-esteem itself can’t improve your heart health, it may make you feel more comfortable socializing and engaging with others, which could lessen feelings of isolation or depression and improve your overall mental and physical health.

Remember, although having a heart condition could complicate your dental implant treatment, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t qualify. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for this procedure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist today, and soon you could be sporting a beautiful, strong, healthy new smile before you know it!

About Our Practice

Dr. Eric Marsh and Dr. Michele Pisano-Marsh are pleased to help restore your smile with the help of durable, lifelike dental implants. If you have a medical condition such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or you wear a pacemaker, don’t assume that you’re automatically disqualified from these permanent restorations. Schedule a consultation for dental implants today by visiting our website or calling 610-432-8037 and learn more about your options.