Before you can move forward with the process of replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, your dentist will need to know about any medicine you’re currently taking. This is especially the case for blood thinners; this type of medication could affect the healing process after your surgery. Here’s what people who take blood thinners need to know before receiving their dental implant posts.
Blood Thinners and Dental Implants
Placing dental implants is a surgical procedure. The gums must be opened so that the implant posts can be inserted into the jawbone. Then the gum tissue is sutured shut so that it can heal. Naturally, some bleeding is expected after the surgery; it typically lasts around two to three days.
However, if you take blood thinners, you may be at a higher risk of experiencing excessive bleeding following your dental implant surgery. This is because blood thinners interfere with the formation of blood clots, which is an important part of the healing process.
Does Taking Blood Thinners Disqualify You From Getting Dental Implants?
Even if you currently take blood thinners, you could still be a viable candidate for dental implants. If you let your dentist know about the medications you’re taking, they can take the appropriate precautions to control your bleeding during and after the surgery.
Recovering From Dental Implant Surgery While on Blood Thinners
There are certain guidelines that all patients on blood thinners should keep in mind while they’re healing from dental implant placement. Here are some of the basic steps you should follow:
- When bleeding occurs, bite down on a piece of gauze directly over the implant site for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Once a blood clot forms, avoid any activities that could dislodge it, such as drinking through a straw or spitting.
- Avoid eating particularly hard or sticky foods. It’s best to maintain a diet of soft or liquid foods while your mouth is healing.
- Stay away from alcohol, as it can also affect blood clotting.
- Visit your dentist for scheduled checkups and follow-up appointments, and call them as soon as you notice any concerning symptoms.
In short, even if you currently use blood thinners, dental implants could still be a good choice for filling in the gaps in your smile. As long as you let your dentist know about your current health situation and follow their instructions carefully, you can look forward to a successful dental implant process.
About the Practice
At Central Dental Associates, our dentists focus on providing conservative, fully personalized care for patients of all ages. We’re able to offer start-to-finish dental implant procedures, meaning we can place dental implants in-house without needing to refer you to a separate specialist. If you are interested in rebuilding your smile with dental implants, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Norwood by visiting our website or calling (781) 769-3566.