Thinking about dental implants in Aurora, CO? Implants are an excellent tooth replacement option for most people; however, certain health factors can influence your candidacy and success rates.
Fortunately, these conditions may not automatically disqualify you. They simply require careful consideration and, in some cases, additional preparation.
Health Factors That Affect Dental Implant Success
Diabetes Considerations
Because diabetes impacts healing, it’s a crucial factor to consider. If your diabetes is well-controlled, we may find implants to be a great option after a thorough evaluation.
However, uncontrolled diabetes is typically a deal breaker because the risk for improper healing is too high. The key here is to work with your dentist and physician to ensure stable blood sugar levels before proceeding.
Smoking and Dental Implants
Smoking significantly impacts implant success. Nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums, which slows healing and increases the risk of implant failure.
Can smokers still get implants? Yes, but your dental implant dentist will have an honest conversation with you about the risks. At the very least, your dentist may recommend quitting or cutting back dramatically before treatment and during healing to improve outcomes and protect your investment.
Medications That May Affect Treatment
Certain medications can affect healing or increase the risk of bleeding. These include:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
- Blood thinners
- Bisphosphonates for osteoporosis
- Chemotherapy drugs
It’s vital to be completely honest about your medical history and share your complete medication list with your dentist, no exceptions.
Let's Find the Right Solution Together
Even if dental implants aren't the ideal option for you at this moment, we'll work with you to find the best solution for your health situation and goals. Sometimes that means addressing underlying conditions first. Other times, it means exploring alternative tooth replacement options that work better for your circumstances.
Ready to see if you’re a good dental implant candidate? Call Baller Dental & Ortho at Southlands at (720) 653-3223 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Holly Baller. We'll review your health history, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan that's right for you.