Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious condition that can cause ongoing pain and negatively affect your quality of life. It might even have consequences for your dental health! For example, it might affect your ability to receive dental implant tooth replacements. But what exactly is the relationship between RA and dental implants, and is there anything you can do to increase your chances of regaining a complete and strong smile? This blog post provides helpful information.
How RA Can Affect Dental Implants
Rheumatoid arthritis can influence your success with dental implants in a few important ways:
- Because RA is an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy tissues, including the joints and sometimes even the jawbone. This can slow the healing process after implant surgery and lead to complications.
- Some individuals with RA also experience bone loss in their jaws, which may compromise the stability of dental implants.
- Medications prescribed for RA, such as steroids or immunosuppressants, might further impact your body’s ability to recover and resist infection after oral surgery.
- The aches and pains caused by RA can make it difficult to maintain optimal oral hygiene, which is critical for implant success.
So, Can You Get Implants if You Have RA?
Having RA does not automatically prevent you from receiving dental implants. Many patients with this condition still qualify for the procedure and achieve positive results. Your eligibility depends on several factors, including the severity of your RA, the medications you take, and the condition of your jawbone and gums.
A thorough medical and dental evaluation will help your dental team assess whether you are a good candidate. They will consider your overall health, bone density, and ability to heal from surgery. In some cases, additional treatments, such as bone grafts or changes to your medication regimen, may improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Open communication with both your rheumatologist and your oral surgeon can help you make the safest and most informed choice.
Talk to a Dental Implant Specialist to Learn More
If you have RA and are interested in dental implants, schedule a consultation with a dental implant specialist. Be sure to share your RA diagnosis and bring a list of your current medications with you. Your care team will assess your circumstances and ask appropriate questions before they recommend your next steps.
They might also advise you on things you can do to improve your oral hygiene if your condition limits your dexterity. For example, the use of an electric toothbrush and water flosser may help you maintain a clean mouth that supports dental implant success.
RA raises some concerns for dental implant patients, but it might not prevent you from rebuilding your smile!
Meet the Practice
Our oral surgery practice is home to multiple board-certified oral surgeons who have many decades of combined experience. Our team is a local leader in the field of dental implant procedures, and we are able to accept patients with complex circumstances. If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth, we would be happy to welcome you into our office for a consultation. Contact Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of Katy at 832-353-1100.