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Floyd had two big problems at the same time.
His teeth were failing. And about two years before he came to Nuvia, he was diagnosed with stage IV heart failure.
The two felt connected. "We were wondering if my failing teeth is part of the issue," Floyd said. It's a fair question — and there's real science behind it.
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The Link Between Oral Health and Heart Health
Your mouth and your heart are more connected than most people realize.
When teeth are infected or failing, bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream. That kind of ongoing infection can create inflammation throughout the body — including around the heart and blood vessels. Research has found that people with gum disease are at a higher risk for heart disease. It doesn't mean bad teeth cause heart attacks. But it does mean the two are related.
For Floyd, that made getting his teeth fixed feel more urgent. It wasn't just about how he looked. It was about his health.
**Actual NUVIA patient(s) who may have been compensated for sharing their story. Not all those who come in for a consultation are eligible for this treatment. Results may vary in individual cases.
Living With a Heart Condition and Failing Teeth
Before thinking about heart conditions or procedures, there was the day-to-day reality of living with missing teeth.
"I don't smile as often as I used to. I don't laugh as big as I used to," Floyd said. He noticed people reacting — quick glances, small gestures. Nothing mean, per se. But it added up.
"It makes you feel pretty low. It makes you feel a little bit less of a person."
He tried other providers. A lot of them felt like they were trying to rush him. They wanted to talk about replacing his lower jaw, even though he had failing teeth on top too. He felt like he couldn’t get a good idea of what the full process would look like.
Everything Changed When Floyd Found Nuvia
When Floyd walked into Nuvia, something felt different.
"It was a relaxed environment. The staff was very knowledgeable, very welcoming. Everything just felt like instinct."
He met with his doctor and didn’t feel rushed like he had elsewhere. His doctor walked through everything. She asked questions and actually listened.
"She seemed sincerely to care about what I was looking to have done, and my reasons for having it done. She didn't seem like she was trying to rush me through the process at all."
For someone with a serious medical history, that kind of attention isn't just nice — it matters. A lot.
Can You Get Dental Implants with a Heart Condition?
The short answer: it depends — but a heart condition doesn't automatically rule you out.
What matters most is how well your condition is managed, what medications you're on, and whether your dental team can work with your cardiologist if needed. Some patients need medical clearance before surgery. Others may need small adjustments to the surgical plan. But many people with heart conditions do go on to get dental implants safely.
The key is finding a team that takes your health history seriously and doesn't cut corners. For someone with a complex background, skipping steps in the evaluation process isn't just sloppy — it's risky.
Floyd's Results
Floyd got his permanent teeth within 24 hours of surgery.
In the weeks after, things shifted. The pain in his lower jaw was gone. He was sleeping better. He stopped thinking about his teeth in public.
"I'm not consciously thinking about hiding my smile all the time anymore."
His wife — who had never known him with a full set of teeth — noticed the difference right away. She told him he didn't look so grumpy anymore.
And overall? "Overall healthwise, I think it made a huge difference."
He only wished he'd found Nuvia sooner. "I really wished I could have found Nuvia sooner and gotten it done sooner. But I'm just glad I finally found them."
A heart condition is something that comes up during the candidacy evaluation. It doesn't mean the answer is no — it means the evaluation needs to be thorough and done right. The 60-second quiz below is a quick way to find out if you might be a candidate but you’ll want to discuss more of the details in a consultation with your provider and care team.
Take the 60-second eligibility quiz →
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