How Autoimmune Diseases Can Complicate Dental Implant Surgery

If you have an autoimmune disorder and are considering dental implants, discuss your condition with your dentist. Autoimmune disorders can increase the risk for complications both during and after your dental implant procedure. Fortunately, there are things you can do to lower these risks so that can enjoy the benefits of your tooth implant procedure. Here are some ways autoimmune conditions can complicate your implant procedure and what you can do about them:

Inflammation

If you have an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, then your body probably releases high amounts of pro-inflammatory chemicals. Known as cytokines. These substances can lead to systemic inflammation, causing inflammation of the joints, muscles, gums, and the bones inside your mouth.

If your gums and the bones that support your natural teeth are notably inflamed, your dentist may be unable to effectively extract your teeth so that he or she can install your implants. If you are experiencing an inflammatory flare, make an appointment with your general physician. He or she will perform an examination and order blood tests. If your inflammatory markers are high, a course of steroids may be recommended. After systemic inflammation has regressed, your dentist can then begin the tooth implant procedure. 

Infection Risk

Many autoimmune disorders can lead to excessive dryness of the eyes and mouth. If your salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep your mouth from drying out, infection-causing oral bacteria can build up inside your oral cavity.

When this happens, you may be at high risk for developing an infection after your dental implant procedure. If you experience a dry mouth as a result of your autoimmune condition, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away bacteria and other microorganisms, which will help lower your risk for developing an infection. If water fails to effectively moisten your oral cavity, talk to your dentist about prescribing an enzyme-based mouthwash, which will help restore moisture to dehydrated oral tissues. 

If you have an autoimmune disease, work with both your physician and dentist. When you work with both of these healthcare professionals you can develop a combined medical and dental plan of care that will help ensure that your implant procedure is free from complications. These complications may include inflammatory flares, abnormal bleeding, and infection. When your mouth is healthy before and after your implant procedure begins, you are more likely to enjoy an event-free recovery period and a better aesthetic result.