Dental implants provide a permanent replacement for tooth loss by utilizing a titanium post and crown. Our oral surgeon at Steele Oral Surgery performs dental implant procedures and offers sedation dentistry. Here is more information on dental implants and how they are affected by chronic conditions:
Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions that can impact dental health include diabetes and osteoporosis. Type I and Type II diabetes both impact insulin production. With Type I, the pancreas creates little insulin, and with Type II, insulin production is dysregulated, or there is a decreased tissue response to insulin levels. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes may experience issues like gingivitis or periodontitis.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that appears as low bone mass and comes with the larger risk of fractures. A dental specialist is able to go over your medical history with you. We provide an initial consultation with our oral surgeon to review dental history and goals, along with how your overall health history affects your ability to get implants.
Dental Implant Candidacy
The type of conditions that you may be experiencing affects your candidacy for dental implant procedures. Oral surgical procedures, including dental implant placement, take several days of recovery. Conditions like diabetes can impact wound healing, making it harder for patients to recover from surgery. Poorly controlled diabetes has the risk of delayed osseointegration; this is the process of the implant fusing with the bone.
In cases where diabetes has been controlled, patients are able to receive dental implants. The process requires multiple interviews, allowing patients to discuss diabetes requirements with the doctor and plan with their physician. Prior to surgery, discuss what medications you are taking with your oral surgeon. Your physician can adjust diabetes medications to maintain metabolic control before and after surgery.
Depending on the case, patients experiencing antiresorption treatment due to osteoporosis are able to receive dental implants. Bone grafting may be beneficial for osteoporosis patients; this technique utilizes bone material taken from the patient’s body and adds it to the jawbone. Other material options include donor and artificial bone. The new material bonds with the jaw to make it stronger and able to support dental implants. Our oral surgeon reviews your candidacy and goes over the surgical process with you beforehand.
Dental Sedation Candidacy
The dental implant process often involves sedation dentistry. Types of dental sedatio include oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. With general anesthesia, patients remain in a sleep-like condition during the surgery; this is used for more involved procedures. Those with significant health conditions may be able to safely receive general anesthesia for surgeries. Pre- and post-operative instructions to aid patients with preparation and recovery, helping to provide a safe and comfortable procedure.
Implant Salvage
People experiencing autoimmune conditions may be at risk for dental implant failure. Symptoms include implants feeling loose, swelling or bleeding near the implant, and difficulty eating. An oral surgeon is able to remove the implant post and provide time for the bones and muscles to heal.
As part of the implant salvage options, they are then able to discuss replacement options with you. You can also meet with your physician to discuss additional options. Our team at Steele Oral Surgery utilizes advanced tools, such as robotic assistance and cone beam imaging, to improve surgical accuracy and help prevent complications.
Learn More About Sedation Dentistry
Depending on the level of treatment they have experienced, diabetes and osteoporosis patients may be candidates for dental implants. We offer All-on-4 implants and implant dentures to offer additional stability. Steele Oral Surgery provides personalized treatment plans for our patients, an in-house dental lab, and same-day treatment options. To see if you are a candidate for dental implants and sedation dentistry, we invite you to request a consultation today.
