When thinking about organ transplants, conversations about oral health aren’t common. However, maintaining their oral health can be critically important for those who have recently undergone a transplant. Patients undergoing an organ transplant must take immunosuppressants to ensure their body doesn’t reject the transplanted organ. The impact of these treatments goes beyond protecting the organ’s health; they impact the immune system in all areas of the body. These patients need the assistance of dedicated dental health treatments like those at Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City to keep their smile looking great for years.
Why Oral Health is Essential To Organ Transplant Patients
Presently, there is no standard for evaluating oral health before undergoing an organ transplant in the United States. However, studies have indicated that ensuring oral health before the transplant can help improve outcomes. Gum disease, periodontitis, dental decay, and infections that haven’t been treated are common factors in unsuccessful transplants. These infections trigger increased inflammation and rapid advancement of heart disease.
This means that dental hygiene is a critical consideration when planning to undergo an organ transplant. If you want to ensure you have the best possible chance of a successful transplant, follow these dental guidelines:
- Dental Cleanings – Twice a year visit to your dentist for professional cleanings will go a long way to keeping tooth decay and gum disease at bay. During these visits, you should also consult with your dentist about the upcoming transplant so they can provide treatment options that may reduce your risks from poor dental health.
- Restorative Treatments – If you already have difficulties with oral health, our team will help treat these concerns. Our goal will be to eliminate existing oral health concerns by performing procedures such as restoration, root canals, and extractions.
- Consistent Oral Hygiene – Maintaining a healthy smile requires a consistent routine of oral hygiene practices. These help to prevent decay and diseases that can impact the success of your implantation.
- Antibacterial Mouthwash – Regularly using antibacterial mouthwash will help maintain your oral health and reduce the risk of developing gum disease and tooth decay. This practice should be started before the transplant and continued regularly afterward.
This approach will help ensure you’re ready for your transplant procedure by addressing any oral health concerns. Further, you’ll be prepared to avoid tooth decay and gingivitis. One risk elevated by poor oral health is endocarditis, a bacterial infection that occurs in the heart valve following an implant. The risks of this condition may be low, but they are elevated by the presence of oral health concerns.
Get A Consult With Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City Today
Patients struggling with chronic diseases should focus closely on maintaining their oral health, and any existing concerns should be addressed prior to undergoing transplantation. If you’re preparing to undergo an organ transplant and want the assistance of our team, call us today at (772) 283-8350 or by visiting our offices in Palm City, FL. We’re here to help you maintain a beautiful smile and protect your health after undergoing an organ transplant with great dental care!
