I’ve recently been diagnosed with sarcoidosis. This diagnosis occurred shortly before I was in a car accident that cost me a tooth. I’ve been told that dental implants are the best tooth replacement but my dentist said he doesn’t place them on patients with sarcoidosis. Will this be the case with every dentist?
Miranda
Dear Miranda,
As with any procedure, I am sure you will be able to find a dentist who will place the dental implant for you. The real question is, should you have a dental implant? There are often problems with osseointegration when it comes to this autoimmune issue. Osseointegration is when the bone fills in and connects with the implant to help support it. Combine that with the likely need of long-term steriods and you are at a much higher risk of dental implant failure than most.
If you understand the risks and still want to go forward, you’ll be able to find someone. However, make sure they are truly qualified. This means advanced dental implant training. I would also be ideal if they were able to do the surgery themselves so there is no miscommunication between placement and restoration.
What If You Can’t Get a Dental Implant?
If you determine it is too great a risk, you do have options. The next best tooth replacement is a dental bridge. This does mean placing dental crowns on the two adjacent teeth. Then, your dentist will suspend a false tooth between those two crowns. In some cases, if those teeth were needing work anyway, a dental bridge would make more sense. Thougn, you didn’t mention any other work needing to be done.
You are in a tough sitation. I would not just go with a dentist just because they will do the procedure. Make certain you understand this has a higher risk of failure and do some research on the dentist to know what kind of dental implant training he or she has had. Dental school alone is not enough. Look at their bio on their website. They should mention post-doctoral studies in implants.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.