Missing teeth, no matter how many, can negatively affect your way of life, leaving you to wonder what you can do to rebuild your smile and confidence. Dental implants are considered the gold standard for tooth replacement because of their permanent placement in the jawbone and lifelike appearance. While most individuals will be eligible to undergo treatment, there are a few caveats that may surprise you, one of which is the connection between dental implants and heart health. Keep reading to learn more about the link and how these prosthetics can make a positive difference.
What is the Connection Between Dental Implants and Heart Health?
There are two ways to think about the connection between dental implants and heart health: whether these prosthetics are suitable for patients with heart disease, and whether implants can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
The basic explanation is that dental implants can positively benefit patients with heart disease and those without. Their sole purpose is to address tooth loss, which is known to cause bone atrophy and a heightened risk of gum disease. Failure to treat this inflammatory issue can lead to the infection entering the bloodstream and reaching the heart. As a result, heart attack, stroke, and other similar conditions can develop.
How Can Dental Implants Help Patients with Heart Disease?
For patients with heart disease, there is a slight risk when choosing to receive dental implants. It requires minor oral surgery, but advancements in the field have made treatment less invasive and less likely to cause heart-related issues.
Experts have reported that dental implant placement does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease or worsen it. Instead, it can positively impact a person’s overall health and well-being, including their heart.
How Can Dental Implants Help Patients Avoid Heart Disease?
Once in place, dental implants improve more than just aesthetics; they also increase durability, make eating and speaking easier, preserve the underlying jawbone, boost overall confidence, and most importantly, combat gum disease and inflammation. As a result, the chances of infection reaching the heart are significantly lower.
Regardless of whether you’re currently living with heart disease or trying to prevent it, combining dental implants with a healthy diet, regular checkups and cleanings, and optimal oral hygiene habits can increase your chances of maintaining a healthier smile and avoiding systemic issues in the future.
About the Practice
At Chapel Hill Dental Arts, our team of dentists consists of experts with decades of experience and elite training. Offering comprehensive services ranging from general dentistry to dental implant placement and restoration, and more, we look forward to rebuilding patients’ smiles with the latest technologies and friendly service. If you are missing one or more teeth and want to know if you are eligible for permanent prosthetics, visit our website to schedule an appointment.
