If you have an autoimmune disease and want a dental implant, then you may have heard some confusing information about whether you can or cannot receive the device. Implant operations and transplants can be troublesome for some individuals who have immune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or lupus. If you are determined to go through with an implant procedure, then there are some tips that you should follow.

Opt For A Zirconia Implant

The vast majority of dental implant devices are made from titanium. Titanium has many advantages, and the metal has been used to replace steel devices for quite some time. However, titanium is still a foreign material that your body may not accept. If you have a severe autoimmune condition, then it is possible for almost any metal to cause an immune reaction in the body. This will result in the failure of your implant and the possibility that you will not be able to receive another device. 

Even if failure does not occur right away, the implant will release very small amounts of titanium ions into the body. Over time, this can cause an allergic reaction or the overactivity of your immune system. You may also be allergic to titanium to begin with. This is extremely rare, but estimates indicate that about 4% of all individuals tested for a titanium allergy come back with positive results. 

If you already have several metal allergies, then you can go through testing to determine whether or not you have a titanium allergy. You can also skip the testing and opt for a zirconia implant root. These roots are a good idea if you have an overactive autoimmune condition. Zirconia is a high-impact ceramic material that can withstand the same amount of stress and pressure as a titanium root device. 

The only drawback to zirconia implants is the fact that they are likely to be more expensive than traditional titanium ones.

Follow An Inflammation Control Regimen

Many people with autoimmune disorders need to take steroid medications like prednisone to control inflammation. However, the medication cannot typically be taken when receiving a dental implant. Prednisone, and other corticosteroid drugs, suppress the immune system, and this can greatly increase your chances of forming an infection. To reduce your infection risks, you may need to reduce or stop taking your prednisone for some time before, during, and after your implant surgery.

If you stop taking corticosteroids, then body inflammation will increase. Unfortunately, long-term inflammation can interfere with the way your dental implant heals, and this can result in a failure issue. 

To keep the inflammation from interfering with your dental implant, you will need to follow a fairly strict anti-inflammatory regimen. The regimen should include the avoidance of triggers that commonly cause your disease to flare-up. This may include avoiding stress and anxiety, staying away from pollutants like smoke and smog, and getting enough sleep to ensure that your body is well rested. 

Also, your diet should be one that does not lead to swelling. Avoid dairy foods as well as ones with a great deal of sugar. Reduce your intake of caffeine, and try to reduce your intake of foods that contain gluten. 

You should consume foods that are high in fiber. Your diet should include a great many fruits and vegetables and very few fatty meats. As you start to heal from your implant surgery, eat cooked or steamed vegetables and fruits. Make sure to eat broccoli so your jaw receives an abundant amount of calcium, and also eat eggs so the body is provided with protein. 

Water is needed to keep inflammation controlled as well, and so is a regimen of antibiotics as well as rinses. Work with a dental professional like Joe Rosenberg, DDS so you know exactly what types of prescriptions and rinses are needed in advance of your surgical procedure.