Complete Patient Medical Histories: What’s Their Impact on Dental Implant Success?

How important are patient medical histories when it comes to the success of dental implant procedures? Well, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry says thorough medical histories are very important to dental implant success.

Dental implants for older patients

Those who receive tooth implants are typically of the older population. Patient medical histories are critical for older patients, especially since most within this population are taking several types of medications.

• It is very important for implant dentists to perform a thorough medical history to further ensure the success of the procedure.
• Medical histories will uncover critical information that dentists must know before starting the procedure, such as current and past medications, as well as allergic reactions to certain medications.
• Since some older patients are taking multiple medications, dentists must know and understand the drug interactions before starting any procedure, especially oral surgery. This further ensures your safety as a patient by decreasing potential drug interactions and/or complications.
• Knowing this information is also crucial when determining which type of sedation to use during the procedure.

Patients with specific disorders or diseases

Medical evaluations become very important when implant patients have health disorders and/or diseases.

• For instance, patients with cardiovascular disease, lung disorders, or diabetes (to name a few) can pose challenges to implant dentists. This is where a complete medical history becomes critical to obtain and evaluate.
• Above and beyond medical evaluations are certain tests that help dentists plan the dental treatment(s). Such tests can include hemoglobin counts for patients who suffer from diabetes.
• If patients suffer from certain blood disorders, implant dentists must know this before prescribing post-operative pain medications.
• If patients suffer from lung disease or another form of respiratory illness, it is important to know which sedation dentistry methods can be used. Dentists must know and understand which types of sedation to use in such circumstances. Medical histories can aid this process.

As you can see, performing a complete patient medical history may seem basic, but it is a crucial component for implant success. Rest assured, our qualified and trained dentists will conduct medical histories on each and every patient.

Long-term restorative dentistry solution for missing teeth

Tooth implants are a great choice for long-term results. Since dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium, they act as an anchor for your new tooth.

As such, they are surgically placed into the jawbone, which makes them secure and provides long-lasting results for your smile and teeth functionality.

When you come to our office for your appointment, we will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether or not you can benefit from dental implants. If so, you will be well on your way to a healthy, beautiful smile in no time!