Want Dental Implants But Have Hyperthyroidism? Here's What You Need To Know

If you've been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and you want dental implants, you'll have to proceed cautiously. There are several important things to consider that can affect your surgery and recovery. Hyperthyroidism can cause significant problems with dental implants if your hormone levels are not controlled. Fortunately, there are things you can do to have success with dental implants. Here's what you need to know. 

Hyperthyroidism causes bone loss 

Your thyroid regulates hormones that your body uses for growth. Having hyperthyroidism means you have too many hormones coursing through your body, which means your bones speed up in the rate of bone loss. This is why many people with hyperthyroidism are a high risk of developing osteoporosis. 

Bone loss affects dental implants

What this means when it comes to getting dental implants is that the bone in your jaw may not integrate with the dental implant. Osseointegration is your body's natural way of building bone around foreign objects, such as dental implants. When the process works as it should, it allows for the dental implant to be held into position by the natural growth of the bone around the implant. 

Controlled hyperthyroidism does not cause bone loss 

When the hormone levels are under control, they do not adversely affect the bones. For this reason, it is crucial that your hyperthyroidism is under control before you go through surgery for your dental implant. This is done by taking your medication as directed and eating a well-balanced diet that is rich in calcium. 

Titanium dental implants should be avoided

Dental implants made of titanium can cause allergic reactions in people who have sensitivities to titanium. Regarding patients with hyperthyroidism, any challenge that can adversely affect the autoimmune system should be avoided. While there is no conclusive evidence that says that titanium triggers autoimmune reactions in patients with hyperthyroidism, it is better to be safe than sorry and choose an alternative material for your dental implant, such as zirconia. 

Anesthesia should be avoided in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism 

An overactive thyroid produces hormones that affect the middle layer of the heart, which is called the myocardium. Uncontrolled hyperthyroidism causes the myocardium to be sensitive to the epinephrine of anesthetics. This causes an increase in the adrenaline in the myocardium, which in turn can cause fluttering, irregular heartbeat and chest pain. Therefore, you should not undergo anesthesia for any reason unless your hyperthyroidism is under control, or you could put your heart at risk. 

Treat your hyperthyroidism & monitor your hormone levels

It's very important to follow through with your hyperthyroid treatments and monitor your hormone levels and your thyroid before, during, and after dental implant surgery. You don't want to undergo any dental implant procedures until after your endocrinologist has cleared you to do so. He or she will determine when it is safe for your oral surgeon or dentist to perform the dental implant surgery when your hormone levels are in an acceptable range for a period of time, which depends on the severity of your condition and how long you've had it. 

Take care of your dental implants

After you've had your dental implant surgery, it is crucial that you take care of your implant and oral cavity. An infection can cause your autoimmune system to kick into high gear, which can cause your hormones to get out of control. Follow the care and hygiene procedures from your oral surgeon or dentist to reduce your risks of developing an infection. And of course, continue treating your hyperthyroidism after your dental implant surgery, especially until after your jaw bone has healed and your body has excepted the dental implant. 

For more information on how your hyperthyroidism can affect dental implant surgery, contact a dentist at a clinic like Schirmer Dentistry.

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