Are Dental Procedures Possible if You Have an Existing Medical Condition?

Are you scheduled for an upcoming dental procedure? If so, it’s important to disclose any existing medical conditions to your dentist as soon as possible. 

Are Dental Procedures Possible if You Have an Existing Medical Condition?

Yes. In the event that you have a preexisting medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, however, it’s critical that you disclose this information to your oral surgeon so that they can take the necessary precautions.

What Sorts of Preexisting Conditions Warrant Precautions?

Don’t be shy when it comes to telling your dentist about any condition or issue you think may affect your visit. It’s better to list everything rather than leave something out. 

The most important preexisting conditions they’ll need to know about include:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): This condition may compromise a patient’s breathing during or after surgery. As a result, you may require additional pulmonary tests and additional modifications may need to be made prior to your procedure.

Diabetes: This condition makes patients three to four times more likely to develop gum disease. Additionally, it can take diabetics longer to heal. 

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Those with hypertension should discuss management of their condition with their oral surgeon because high blood pressure can cause circulation issues that may be impacted by sedation drugs and other aspects of oral surgery. 

Jawbone Tissue Loss: Some oral surgeries (namely, dental implant placement) require a certain amount of jawbone tissue. If past dental complications such as periodontitis or gum disease have caused you to lose jawbone tissue, it’s important to disclose this to your surgeon. In some cases, another surgery will be scheduled prior to your main surgery in which your dentist can encourage the regrowth of additional tissue with help from a jawbone graft.

How Can Parke & Rogers Help?

Everyone deserves to have a beautiful and healthy smile. To make an appointment at Parke & Rogers Exceptional Dentistry today, please call 281-419-2632 or email us!