Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Disqualify Me From Getting Dental Implants?

Are you missing one or more teeth? Do you want to regain a complete smile that is fully functional and long-lasting? While there is the option to choose a dental bridge or denture to restore your appearance, you likely want something more stable, right? But is it possible to receive dental implants with rheumatoid arthritis? If you’re worried that the inflammation in your joints will negatively affect your ability to receive a permanent smile, hear from a dentist who can explain what you must do to ensure successful results.

What Problems Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Pose to Dental Implants?

Patients living with rheumatoid arthritis already experience enough difficulty trying to complete regular, everyday tasks such as grasping eating utensils and doing daily chores around the house. But what is often forgotten is the challenging aspect of regular oral hygiene. Attempting to hold a toothbrush while cleaning teeth is difficult, as is flossing.

This unique problem poses a serious risk to anyone interested in dental implants. If gum disease develops, it can negatively impact the livelihood of the artificial tooth, causing it to become loose and even fail.

Additionally, this autoimmune disorder requires patients to take various medications that often suppress their immune systems. As a result, it can make healing and the osseointegration phase extremely difficult. Without proper integration between the implants and bone tissues, the body may be unable to create a solid foundation for the titanium posts, thus, providing minimal support, if any, to the restoration.

Is It Still Possible to Receive Dental Implants?

The good news is that just because a person has rheumatoid arthritis, it doesn’t mean they are disqualified from pursuing treatment. However, there are essential steps that must be taken first, such as:

• Meeting with a dentist for an initial consultation to discuss oral and overall health as well as jawbone density.
• Asking a physician if it’s possible to cease taking any medications the week before and after oral surgery.
• Establishing a treatment plan that will offer successful results as long as the individual remains committed to the process before, during, and after implant placement.
• Adhering to any post-procedural instructions provided by the dentist.
• Committing to optimal oral hygiene following the placement of dental implants.

Rheumatoid arthritis might seem like an immediate strike when it comes to permanent prosthetics. But the truth is that with proper collaboration between dentists and physicians, patients can achieve a complete and healthy smile with the help of dental implants.

About the Author
Dr. Mark Simeone understands the difficulties patients face when dealing with tooth loss. Offering dental implants as a superior option for tooth replacement, he and his team work to establish personalized plans based on the needs of the patient to ensure optimal results. If an individual mentions a specific health problem during the initial consultation, careful consideration will be taken to try and move forward with treatment in a way that produces healthy and longer-lasting smiles. Contact us at (610) 383-1600 to learn how we can help you.