If you have heart disease and need to replace missing teeth, you may wonder whether dental implants are safe for you. You may also have heard that better oral health could benefit your cardiovascular health.
Having heart disease does not automatically rule out dental implants. However, your dentist and cardiologist may need to work together to determine whether implant treatment is appropriate for you.
Are Dental Implants Safe with Heart Disease?
Dental implants are generally considered a safe tooth-replacement option for many people with well-managed heart conditions. However, implant surgery is still a procedure that requires careful planning. Your dentist will want to know about your heart condition, medications, previous surgeries and overall health before treatment.
One important consideration is the risk of infection. Infective endocarditis is a rare but potentially serious infection involving the heart’s inner lining or valves. The American Heart Association recommends preventive antibiotics before certain dental procedures for people at the highest risk of serious complications, including individuals with prosthetic heart valves, a history of infective endocarditis, certain congenital heart conditions and some heart transplant patients.
Not everyone with heart disease needs antibiotics before dental treatment. Your dental and medical teams can determine whether antibiotic prophylaxis is appropriate for your specific situation.
Blood-thinning medications are another consideration. If you take anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, your dentist and physician may need to coordinate your treatment plan. You should never stop or change these medications on your own.
Can Dental Implants Improve Heart Health?
Dental implants themselves are not a treatment for heart disease, so you should not expect them to directly improve your heart health. However, replacing missing teeth can make it easier to chew the nutritious foods your body needs and maintain a healthy, functional mouth.
Good oral health is particularly important for people with certain heart conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental care can help reduce the risk of infections associated with bacteria from the mouth.
Replacing missing teeth may also make brushing and maintaining the surrounding tissues easier than living with untreated dental problems, depending on your situation.
If you have heart disease and are considering dental implants, don’t assume you are automatically disqualified. Instead, give your dentist a complete medical history and discuss your treatment with your cardiologist when appropriate. With proper planning, infection prevention, and medical coordination, many patients with heart disease can successfully receive dental implants while restoring their smile and oral function.
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City, followed by a one-year residency that focused on implant dentistry. He and his team can complete the entire dental implant process in-house, utilizing the latest technology like 3D Cone Beam Scanners to guarantee precise implant placement. To book a consultation with Dr. Byars regarding implant treatment, head to our website or call our Kansas City office at (816) 781-8222.