Your oral health and heart health are more closely connected than you might realize. Replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, for example, could help protect your heart from inflammation and infections!
If you’re concerned about your heart health and are looking for a suitable dental restoration, it’s worth talking to your dentist about dental implants. In the meantime, you can continue reading to learn more about the link between these unique tooth replacements and your heart.
Can I Get Dental Implants if I Have a Heart Condition?
Fortunately, dental implant restorations are generally considered to be safe for those with coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and other similar issues. As long as you’re honest with your dentist about your health history and coordinate your care with your PCP and cardiologist, you could successfully receive dental implants.
How Tooth Loss Affects Heart Health
Smile gaps are associated with a higher risk of gum disease and infection. These two oral health problems can cause chronic inflammation or spread bacteria to other areas of the body – including the heart. Both complications make it harder for the heart to pump blood throughout the body, making you more vulnerable to heart attack and stroke.
This is one reason why dentists generally recommend replacing missing teeth as soon as possible with any type of restoration. Dental implants, though, provide unique benefits that can be particularly helpful for those with preexisting heart conditions.
How Dental Implants Benefit Those with Heart Conditions
Since dental implants are anchored to the jawbone, they’re more powerful than other dental restorations and enable you to eat most (if not all) foods. In other words, dental implants can help you support your heart through a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Dental implants are also incredibly easy to take care of. You can brush and floss your teeth as normal, which will significantly reduce the bacteria content in your mouth. Oral hygiene is the first line of defense against gum disease and infection, and dental implants make keeping your smile clean simple!
Finally, dental implant restorations are far more stable than traditional dentures. If a denture slips out of place frequently, the friction can irritate the gums and lead to inflammation. Dental implants will make sure your restoration stays fixed and help you avoid a symptom that’s commonly associated with heart conditions.
In summary, replacing your missing teeth with dental implants could not only improve your smile aesthetics – but also your heart health and overall wellness!
About the Author
Thanks to his experience at Creighton University, Dr. Matthew Scarpitti has advanced training with prosthodontics like dental implants. He’s able to complete the entire dental implant process in-house, meaning you’ll be cared for by the same trustworthy team throughout your treatment. If you have a heart condition, Dr. Scarpitti will work closely with your PCP or cardiologist to help ensure you stay safe while receiving your new smile. To contact his office for an appointment, call 407-658-1111.