Getting dental implants can be a great way to improve your smile, but patients who have undergone heart surgery may need to take special precautions. If you have had heart surgery and are considering getting dental implants, here are a few things to consider first.

Talk To Your Cardiologist

Your cardiologist will be able to tell you if you are healthy enough for dental surgery. Some dental implant procedures, such as bone grafting, may require you to be placed under general anesthesia. Having a history of heart problems may put you at greater risk for complications from general anesthesia. Your cardiologist can help you to determine if dental surgery is right for you. Your cardiologist can even consult with your dentist to come up with a plan to help you get the dental work you need while keeping your heart health in mind. This may include making a temporary change in your daily heart maintenance prescriptions to allow for dental work to be completed.

Give Your Dentist A Complete Medical History

Your dentist needs to know more than just your oral health history. Be sure to discuss any past surgeries you've had, including your heart surgery, and list all medications you may be currently on. If you are on anti-coagulants because you have an artificial heart valve, you will need to tell your dentist. Even minor outpatient procedures can cause bleeding, and anti-coagulants can prevent the bleeding from stopping. Your dentist can take special precautions if you are on certain medications to prevent complications.

Ask For Less Invasive Procedures

Depending on your needs, you may be able to ask for a less invasive procedure. Some options, such as flapless dental implant surgery, can provide a lowered risk of complications. This procedure requires less anesthetic, requires no sutures and it results in minimal bleeding. The procedure still results in sturdy implants that hold a synthetic tooth in place, giving you the results you want from your procedure. Discuss this and any other available options with both your dentist and cardiologist to make the choice that is right for you.

If you have a history of heart disease or heart surgery, it is important to discuss this with your dentist even if you aren't having dental surgery. Heart problems can carry with them a host of dental health problems, such as dry mouth. They can also cause complications with even simple dental procedures. Giving your dentist a complete medical history can prevent serious problems and help to keep your teeth healthy.

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