How healthy are your teeth? Although many people are quick to underestimate their dental health, the fact of the matter is that there are a lot of different elements that play into overall dental wellness. From how often you brush and floss to how regularly you attend regular checkups, it is important to stay in close communication with your dentist, especially if you come down with a new symptom. The purpose of this website is to help people to understand and resolve dental issues, since small symptoms can lead to big problems down the road. Check out these posts to learn more about dental care.
Dental implant surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by cosmetic dentists. While getting implants takes longer than other cosmetic procedures such as veneers, laser bleaching, and bonding, the results are typically more permanent and dramatic.
In addition to cosmetic results, dental implants can also help correct malocclusions and jaw pain associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ. While getting implants can enhance your appearance and treat certain disorders, your dentist will want to ensure that you don't have any underlying diseases before starting your procedure. Here are some preexisting health conditions you, your dentist, and your physician should address prior to your dental implant surgery.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, occurs in people who have diabetes. Symptoms include frequent urination, vision problems, increased thirst and hunger, fatigue, and numbness and tingling in the extremities. It can also cause circulatory problems, poor wound healing after dental implant surgery, and an increased risk for oral infections.
Before getting your implants, see your family physician. He or she will make sure that your diabetes and subsequent hyperglycemia is under control before clearing you for implant surgery. When your hyperglycemia is well-managed, you will be less likely to develop complications after your implant procedure such as infections of the surgical sites and poor wound healing.
Blood Platelet Dysfunction
Thrombocytopenia is a relatively common blood platelet disorder that refers to a low platelet count. When your blood platelets are abnormally low, it may take your blood longer to clot. You may also develop frequent bruising, heavy or prolonged bleeding after a cut or scratch, and excessive bleeding during surgical and dental procedures.
Blood platelet dysfunction can be caused by certain prescription drugs, various medical treatments, and both bacterial and viral infections. Your physician will order diagnostic tests to help uncover the reason for your abnormal platelet count, and once the reason is determined, a treatment plan will be implemented.
Your cosmetic dentist may advise you to delay your implant procedure until your platelet count has returned to normal to help ensure that you don't experience a bleeding event during and after your procedure.
If you are interested in getting dental implants and have any of the above preexisting conditions, see your primary care physician on a regular basis. He or she will make sure that your conditions are as well-managed as possible so that you can safely proceed with your dental implant procedure.