3 Health Conditions That Can Cause Pain After Dental Implants

Posted on: 26 February 2018

If you want to improve your smile or bite, your dentist may have recommended that you get dental implants. Before your procedure, however, it is important that you work with your physician to manage your chronic medical problems because certain health conditions can lead to an increase in pain following your dental implant surgery. Here are three medical disorders that may heighten your risk for pain after getting your implants, and what you can do about them:

Chronic Sinusitis

If you have chronic sinusitis, you may be at risk for developing pain after getting your dental implants. Infected and inflamed sinuses can put pressures on the structures that support your upper teeth.

If you have upper dental implants, work with your physician to develop a treatment plan to manage your sinus problems. As nasal congestion clears and sinus inflammation decreases, dental pain will subside.

If your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, your health care provider will recommend that you take a course of oral antibiotics, If, however, your sinus problems are the result of a virus, antibiotics will do little to resolve your symptoms. Using an over-the-counter nasal decongestant can also help shrink inflamed sinuses which will help keep you pain-free after getting your implants. 

Osteoporosis

While osteoporosis is more common in menopausal women, men get it too. Osteoporosis not only can affect your spine, hips, and knees, it can also lead to low bone density, bone thinning, and pain in the bones of your mouth.

If you have osteoporosis, your dental implants may feel uncomfortable, however, prescription osteoporosis medications known as bisphosphonates will help keep your bones strong. In addition, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements will help keep your bones healthy, however, they will not repair existing bone damage. 

Type 2 Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you may be at risk for poor wound healing and diminished circulation. The dental implant procedure involves tooth extraction and it is important that you have excellent circulation in your mouth so that optimal healing can begin.

If you are a diabetic and considering dental implants, make sure to keep tight control over your blood glucose levels by sticking to your therapeutic diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking your prescribed medications.

If you have any of the above health conditions, work with both your dentist and physician to develop an effective treatment plan that will help keep you pain-free after your implant procedure.

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