Are you suited for dental implants? Top health issues that can cause complications

Many people who are pursuing having oral implants fitted are disheartened to learn that they may not actually be suitable to have the remarkable procedure performed.

Why? Well, it isn’t to do with their oral health in most cases and can be linked to an underlying medical issue, which makes successful implantation less likely.

When you come to see our team at High Dental, we will always perform an extensive health history before determining your suitability for dental implants Melbourne, so you can be certain that when you have the treatment performed, it will be successful. Great!

So, what are the most common health issues that can cause a problem when having dental implants Melbourne fitted?

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes sugar. People who have diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, are at a higher risk for gum disease, which can weaken the bone that supports oral implants. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can slow down the healing process after implant surgery, increasing the risk of implant failure. So, if you have diabetes and want to have dental implants Melbourne fitted, you will need to discuss this with our team and your doctor.

Smoking

As it is an addiction, it counts as a health issue! Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for dental implant failure. Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, and this slows down the healing process after implant placement. Additionally, smoking weakens the bone structure that supports the implant, making it more likely to fail.

Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause significant damage to dental implants. The pressure and force of teeth grinding can cause the implant(s) to become loose or even break. If you have bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your dental implants while you sleep. If your bruxism is related to medications, then this will need to be explored with your doctor if you want to have oral implants fitted.

Gum disease

Gum disease is a common condition that can impact the success of oral implants. When the gums are infected, the bone structure that supports the implant can weaken. Additionally, if gum disease is left untreated, it can lead to implant failure, much in the same way that it causes teeth to fall out.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition associated with people over the age of 60 that weakens the bones. If you have osteoporosis, the bone structure that supports the oral implant may not be strong enough to hold it in place.

Autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases can also impact the healing process after oral implant surgery. Medications used to treat these conditions may impact the success of the implant, as they are designed to hinder the immune system, leading to prolonged healing times and a higher risk of infections.

Cancer treatments

And finally, and not surprisingly, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can impact the success of oral implants. These treatments can weaken the bone structure that supports the implant and slow down the healing process after implant placement.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.