Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Are You Planning a Dental Implant? Here Are 6 Questions You Must First Ask Your Dentist

Credits: Canva

A <span>dental implant</span> is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a decision that reshapes your smile, speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw. While dental implants are reliable and widely recommended, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dental implant is not just “a new tooth”. It plays a vital role in supporting your bite, preserving facial structure, improving your diet, and boosting confidence. 

And patients who ask the right questions tend to see better long-term outcomes—both in function and appearance. When you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. And that is when the results truly last.

Here are six crucial questions every patient must ask their dentist before getting an implant:

1. Am I the right candidate for an implant?

“Dental implants rely on healthy, stable jawbones for long-term success,” says Dr. Sanjeet Shanker, Founder and CEO at Epikdoc. He warns that if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone beneath it may have started to resorb, even if there are no visible signs.

This makes a detailed X-ray or 3D <span>CBCT scan</span> non-negotiable. “We need to assess bone height, width, and density before planning an implant,” he explains. In cases where bone is lacking, your dentist may suggest <span>bone grafting</span>, a preliminary step that adds time and cost but provides a solid foundation for success.

2. What type of implant and crown will you use in my case?

Implants differ in length, width, design, and material depending on the patient’s needs. “Titanium implants are the gold standard and work well in most cases,” he says. However, <span>zirconia</span> implants are also an option for those with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences.

When it comes to the visible crown, options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability in back teeth and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for a more natural look in the front. Dr. Shanker recommends asking your dentist why a particular system is being suggested and how it suits your bite forces, gum contours, and smile line.

3. What will the treatment involve over the next few months?

Implant treatment is rarely a one-day procedure. Here is how a typical journey looks:

Tooth extraction (if needed), bone grafting (if required), implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and then crown placement.

The expert stresses the importance of knowing whether you will get a temporary crown, a removable denture, or have to manage without a tooth during healing. A clear <span>treatment timeline</span> helps you prepare your schedule, diet, and expectations.

4. What kind of daily care will my implant need?

“Even though implants do not decay, the surrounding gums and bone can get infected if not cared for properly, a condition called peri-implantitis,” Dr. Shanker warns.

<ul><li>How do I clean around the implant?</li><li>Do I need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers?</li><li>How often should I return for cleanings?</li></ul>

An implant is like a luxury car. With regular maintenance, it will serve you for decades. But neglect it, and problems pile up fast.

Dr. Shanker points out that pricing can vary dramatically. Some clinics bundle everything, while others charge separately for scans, surgeries, crowns, and follow-ups.

<ul><li>Is bone grafting included if required?</li><li>Will I have temporary teeth during healing?</li><li>What’s the policy on emergencies or crown replacement?</li></ul>

Getting clarity upfront helps you avoid surprises and make accurate comparisons.

This, according to Dr. Shanker, is one of the most frequently asked questions. “It is like tennis. Give Roger Federer an average racket, and he will still win the match,” he says.

In implants, the surgeon’s skill and case planning are far more important than brand names. The real hierarchy, he says, is:

1. The doctor’s experience and planning

While established brands offer reliable results, focusing only on labels is a distraction. “Choose a clinician you trust and one who explains the ‘why’ behind their choice,” Dr. Shanker advises.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

dental implant

bone grafting

implant crown

titanium implant

zirconia

peri implantitis

cbct scan

oral hygiene

treatment timeline

implant cost

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A dental implant is not just a cosmetic fix; it is a decision that reshapes your smile, speech, eating habits, and even the structure of your jaw. While dental implants are reliable and widely recommended, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. A dental implant is not just “a new tooth”. It plays a vital role in supporting your bite, preserving facial structure, improving your diet, and boosting confidence. And patients who ask the right questions tend to see better long-term outcomes—both in function and appearance. When you ask the right questions, you are more likely to get a personalised treatment plan that fits your needs, anatomy, and lifestyle. And that is when the results truly last.Here are six crucial questions every patient must ask their dentist before getting an implant:1. Am I the right candidate for an implant?“Dental implants rely on healthy, stable jawbones for long-term success,” says Dr. Sanjeet Shanker, Founder and CEO at Epikdoc. He warns that if a tooth has been missing for a while, the bone beneath it may have started to resorb, even if there are no visible signs.This makes a detailed X-ray or 3D CBCT scan non-negotiable. “We need to assess bone height, width, and density before planning an implant,” he explains. In cases where bone is lacking, your dentist may suggest bone grafting, a preliminary step that adds time and cost but provides a solid foundation for success.2. What type of implant and crown will you use in my case?Implants differ in length, width, design, and material depending on the patient’s needs. “Titanium implants are the gold standard and work well in most cases,” he says. However, zirconia implants are also an option for those with metal sensitivities or specific aesthetic preferences.When it comes to the visible crown, options include porcelain-fused-to-metal for durability in back teeth and all-ceramic or zirconia crowns for a more natural look in the front. Dr. Shanker recommends asking your dentist why a particular system is being suggested and how it suits your bite forces, gum contours, and smile line.3. What will the treatment involve over the next few months?Implant treatment is rarely a one-day procedure. Here is how a typical journey looks:Tooth extraction (if needed), bone grafting (if required), implant placement, healing time (osseointegration), and then crown placement.The expert stresses the importance of knowing whether you will get a temporary crown, a removable denture, or have to manage without a tooth during healing. A clear treatment timeline helps you prepare your schedule, diet, and expectations.4. What kind of daily care will my implant need?“Even though implants do not decay, the surrounding gums and bone can get infected if not cared for properly, a condition called peri-implantitis,” Dr. Shanker warns.He advises patients to ask:How do I clean around the implant?Do I need special tools like interdental brushes or water flossers?How often should I return for cleanings?An implant is like a luxury car. With regular maintenance, it will serve you for decades. But neglect it, and problems pile up fast.5. What does the total cost include?Dr. Shanker points out that pricing can vary dramatically. Some clinics bundle everything, while others charge separately for scans, surgeries, crowns, and follow-ups.He recommends asking clearly:Is bone grafting included if required?Will I have temporary teeth during healing?What’s the policy on emergencies or crown replacement?Getting clarity upfront helps you avoid surprises and make accurate comparisons.6. Does the brand of implant matter?This, according to Dr. Shanker, is one of the most frequently asked questions. “It is like tennis. Give Roger Federer an average racket, and he will still win the match,” he says.In implants, the surgeon’s skill and case planning are far more important than brand names. The real hierarchy, he says, is:1. The doctor’s experience and planning2. Your own health and bone condition3. The quality of the implant systemWhile established brands offer reliable results, focusing only on labels is a distraction. “Choose a clinician you trust and one who explains the ‘why’ behind their choice,” Dr. Shanker advises.

are you planning a dental implant? here are 6 questions you must first ask your dentist

Aarushi Bhadury

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Emergency rooms are handing out significantly fewer <span>opioid prescriptions</span> to people experiencing <span>lower back pain</span>. Researchers reported in the Annals of Emergency Medicine on July 12 that the rate of opioid prescriptions for back pain in ERs dropped by more than half between 2016 and 2022. 

<h2>Dramatic <span rel="noindex">Decline in Opioid Prescribing</span> </h2>

Just a few years ago, in 2016, almost one out of every three visits to the ER for back pain ended with a prescription for opioid painkillers. But by 2022, that number had fallen dramatically to just over one in ten visits. This big drop means that doctors are learning from the available information and changing the way they practice medicine, especially as more people become aware of the widespread problems caused by opioid addiction. It's a positive sign that medical professionals are actively working to curb the opioid crisis. 

<h2>Understanding the Study and Patient Experience </h2>

To figure this out, researchers looked at records from nearly 53 million ER visits for low back pain that happened between 2016 and 2022. These records were gathered by a national health statistics centre. The study found that when people went to the ER for back pain, they were usually in a lot of discomfort, rating their pain at more than 7 out of 10. On average, they had to wait about 37 minutes before a doctor saw them and spent around four hours in the emergency room getting treatment. 

<h2>Why Opioid Usage Is Risky For Patients</h2>

A 2023 study even found that opioids may not be as effective for back pain. Published in the JAMA network, a 2023 study conducted a trial on those who were experiencing back pain. The trial involved 347 adults who had been experiencing pain for up to 12 weeks. Everyone in the study received standard care, which included reassurance, advice to avoid bed rest, and encouragement to stay active. Half of the participants also received a combination of oxycodone and naloxone (an opioid), while the other half received a placebo (a dummy pill).

The study also revealed that while side effects were similar for both groups, there was a significant difference in the risk of opioid misuse. One year later, 20% of the participants who took opioids were at risk of misusing them, compared to only 10% of those who received the placebo. This suggests that even for short-term pain relief, opioids carry a greater risk of future misuse.

<h2><span rel="noindex">NSAIDs</span> Emerge as Preferred Treatment </h2>

Now, when you go to the ER with low back pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), are the most common painkillers prescribed. They're given to almost 29% of patients. It's not just about prescriptions either; fewer patients are actually given opioids while they are being treated in the ER. That number went down from 35% of cases in 2016 to less than 25% by 2020, showing a clear shift away from immediate opioid use during emergency care for back pain.

Even though there's good progress with reducing opioids, ER doctors still have some areas where they could improve how they treat back pain. For example, many patients with back pain are still getting X-rays that they don't really need. In 2022, about 37% of patients had an X-ray, which is pretty much the same as in 2015. In fact, in 2021, almost 44% of cases involved an X-ray, which was the highest rate. It's tough to get this number down because deciding whether to order an X-ray can be complicated and depends on what both the doctor and the patient think is best.

Opioid Prescriptions

Lower Back Pain

Opioid Prescriptions For Lower Back Pain

Healthcare

Decline in Opioid Prescribing

NSAIDs

Emergency rooms are handing out significantly fewer opioid prescriptions to people experiencing lower back pain. Researchers reported in the Annals of Emergency Medicine on July 12 that the rate of opioid prescriptions for back pain in ERs dropped by more than half between 2016 and 2022. Dramatic Decline in Opioid Prescribing Just a few years ago, in 2016, almost one out of every three visits to the ER for back pain ended with a prescription for opioid painkillers. But by 2022, that number had fallen dramatically to just over one in ten visits. This big drop means that doctors are learning from the available information and changing the way they practice medicine, especially as more people become aware of the widespread problems caused by opioid addiction. It's a positive sign that medical professionals are actively working to curb the opioid crisis. Understanding the Study and Patient Experience To figure this out, researchers looked at records from nearly 53 million ER visits for low back pain that happened between 2016 and 2022. These records were gathered by a national health statistics centre. The study found that when people went to the ER for back pain, they were usually in a lot of discomfort, rating their pain at more than 7 out of 10. On average, they had to wait about 37 minutes before a doctor saw them and spent around four hours in the emergency room getting treatment. Why Opioid Usage Is Risky For PatientsA 2023 study even found that opioids may not be as effective for back pain. Published in the JAMA network, a 2023 study conducted a trial on those who were experiencing back pain. The trial involved 347 adults who had been experiencing pain for up to 12 weeks. Everyone in the study received standard care, which included reassurance, advice to avoid bed rest, and encouragement to stay active. Half of the participants also received a combination of oxycodone and naloxone (an opioid), while the other half received a placebo (a dummy pill).The study also revealed that while side effects were similar for both groups, there was a significant difference in the risk of opioid misuse. One year later, 20% of the participants who took opioids were at risk of misusing them, compared to only 10% of those who received the placebo. This suggests that even for short-term pain relief, opioids carry a greater risk of future misuse.NSAIDs Emerge as Preferred Treatment Now, when you go to the ER with low back pain, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often called NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), are the most common painkillers prescribed. They're given to almost 29% of patients. It's not just about prescriptions either; fewer patients are actually given opioids while they are being treated in the ER. That number went down from 35% of cases in 2016 to less than 25% by 2020, showing a clear shift away from immediate opioid use during emergency care for back pain.Next Issues People Must Tackle Even though there's good progress with reducing opioids, ER doctors still have some areas where they could improve how they treat back pain. For example, many patients with back pain are still getting X-rays that they don't really need. In 2022, about 37% of patients had an X-ray, which is pretty much the same as in 2015. In fact, in 2021, almost 44% of cases involved an X-ray, which was the highest rate. It's tough to get this number down because deciding whether to order an X-ray can be complicated and depends on what both the doctor and the patient think is best.

you are much less likely to get opioid prescriptions for lower back pain than before- is healthcare getting better?

AI Can Now Help Identify Diabetic Eye Disease That Can Destroy Your Vision For Life

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Doctors may soon have a powerful new tool to help catch a serious eye disease caused by diabetes. Researchers have created an AI-powered retina tracker that is incredibly accurate at finding <span>diabetic retinopathy</span>, a condition that can lead to blindness. In a news release by the Endocrine Society, researchers detail how this new AI technology revolutionizes health and eye care, bringing it to the next level. 

<h2>Fast, Accurate, and <span rel="noindex">Accessible Eye Screening</span> </h2>

This new program, called the Simple Mobile AI Retina Tracker (SMART), showed over 99% accuracy in its ability to screen for diabetic retinopathy. This impressive result was announced recently at a medical conference. 

SMART uses advanced AI to quickly and accurately look at images of the retina – the light-sensing part at the back of your eye. What makes it truly special is that it can work on any device with internet access, even basic smartphones. 

This means eye specialists can screen patients more easily and quickly. It also allows general doctors to include eye exams during regular visits. Most importantly, it helps bring high-quality eye checks to places where there aren't many eye doctors. 

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where tiny blood vessels in the eye leak and damage the retina. It's a major cause of blinedness that could be prevented, affecting over 100 million people worldwide. 

To develop SMART, researchers trained the AI using thousands of retinal images from a diverse group of patients across six continents. When they tested the AI on new images, it could detect diabetic retinopathy almost every time, processing each image in less than one second. The tracker could also tell the difference between diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions. 

<h2>Symptoms And Issues Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy </h2>

According to the US National Eye Institute, Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem that can affect anyone with diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensing part at the back of your eye. Early detection and managing your diabetes are key to protecting your vision. 

Diabetes harms blood vessels throughout your entire body. In your eyes, this damage begins when high blood sugar changes the tiny blood vessels that feed your retina. These changes make it harder for blood to flow, leading to some blood vessels getting blocked or starting to leak fluid or blood. 

In its early stages, you usually won't notice any problems with your vision. However, some people might notice subtle changes, like difficulty reading or seeing things far away. These changes might even come and go. 

As the condition gets worse, blood vessels in your retina can start to bleed into the jelly-like fluid that fills your eye. If this happens, you might see dark, floating spots or streaks, almost like cobwebs. Sometimes these spots clear up on their own, but it's crucial to get medical help right away. If left untreated, scars can form at the back of your eye, or the bleeding might start again or get worse.

Developing this new AI has the potential to make eye care available to a vast number of people globally, simply by using mobile technology. Experts believe this innovation could screen billions worldwide, significantly cutting down <span>vision loss</span> from diabetic retinopathy. It could also completely change how healthcare is provided. 

Anyone with diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy, whether they have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy). 

Your risk goes up the longer you've had diabetes. In fact, over half of people with diabetes will <span>develop diabetic retinopathy</span> eventually. The good news is that you can significantly lower your risk by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. 

Women with diabetes who become pregnant, or those who develop gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk. If you have diabetes and are pregnant, you should get a full eye exam with dilated pupils as soon as possible. 

This research highlights how AI can be a positive force, helping to bridge gaps in medical care and offering hope to millions who are at risk of losing their sight. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Eye Disease

vision loss

Accessible Eye Screening

AI for eye health

develop diabetic retinopathy

Doctors may soon have a powerful new tool to help catch a serious eye disease caused by diabetes. Researchers have created an AI-powered retina tracker that is incredibly accurate at finding diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness. In a news release by the Endocrine Society, researchers detail how this new AI technology revolutionizes health and eye care, bringing it to the next level. Fast, Accurate, and Accessible Eye Screening This new program, called the Simple Mobile AI Retina Tracker (SMART), showed over 99% accuracy in its ability to screen for diabetic retinopathy. This impressive result was announced recently at a medical conference. SMART uses advanced AI to quickly and accurately look at images of the retina – the light-sensing part at the back of your eye. What makes it truly special is that it can work on any device with internet access, even basic smartphones. This means eye specialists can screen patients more easily and quickly. It also allows general doctors to include eye exams during regular visits. Most importantly, it helps bring high-quality eye checks to places where there aren't many eye doctors. Tackling Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where tiny blood vessels in the eye leak and damage the retina. It's a major cause of blinedness that could be prevented, affecting over 100 million people worldwide. To develop SMART, researchers trained the AI using thousands of retinal images from a diverse group of patients across six continents. When they tested the AI on new images, it could detect diabetic retinopathy almost every time, processing each image in less than one second. The tracker could also tell the difference between diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions. Symptoms And Issues Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy According to the US National Eye Institute, Diabetic retinopathy is an eye problem that can affect anyone with diabetes. It happens when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in your retina, the light-sensing part at the back of your eye. Early detection and managing your diabetes are key to protecting your vision. Diabetes harms blood vessels throughout your entire body. In your eyes, this damage begins when high blood sugar changes the tiny blood vessels that feed your retina. These changes make it harder for blood to flow, leading to some blood vessels getting blocked or starting to leak fluid or blood. Warning Signs In its early stages, you usually won't notice any problems with your vision. However, some people might notice subtle changes, like difficulty reading or seeing things far away. These changes might even come and go. As the condition gets worse, blood vessels in your retina can start to bleed into the jelly-like fluid that fills your eye. If this happens, you might see dark, floating spots or streaks, almost like cobwebs. Sometimes these spots clear up on their own, but it's crucial to get medical help right away. If left untreated, scars can form at the back of your eye, or the bleeding might start again or get worse. Who Will This New AI Help? Developing this new AI has the potential to make eye care available to a vast number of people globally, simply by using mobile technology. Experts believe this innovation could screen billions worldwide, significantly cutting down vision loss from diabetic retinopathy. It could also completely change how healthcare is provided. Anyone with diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy, whether they have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy). Your risk goes up the longer you've had diabetes. In fact, over half of people with diabetes will develop diabetic retinopathy eventually. The good news is that you can significantly lower your risk by keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Women with diabetes who become pregnant, or those who develop gestational diabetes, are at a higher risk. If you have diabetes and are pregnant, you should get a full eye exam with dilated pupils as soon as possible. This research highlights how AI can be a positive force, helping to bridge gaps in medical care and offering hope to millions who are at risk of losing their sight.  

ai can now help identify diabetic eye disease that can destroy your vision for life

BMI Calculators Cannot Predict Your Risk Of Death - Which Metric Can We Use?

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This Daily Seasoning Is Twice As Dangerous To Your Heart And Kidney For Indians, Flags ICMR Study

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It is not uncommon for doctors to misidentify a health condition or misdiagnose due to lack of information or conflicting symptoms. However, many times these mistakes can lead the patient to get the wrong treatment, and cause problems like <span>prolonged treatment</span>, more health problems as well as patients feeling unheard. 

A new report suggests that doctors are often missing a common, hormone-related reason for <span>high blood pressure</span>. This overlooked condition, called primary aldosteronism, could be affecting a significant number of people with high blood pressure without them even knowing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism, most doctors fail to identify this condition, even though it is the most common <span>cause of high blood pressure</span>. 

Research shows that as many as 30% of high blood pressure patients seen by heart specialists, and 14% of those seen by general doctors, actually have primary aldosteronism. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands (small glands located on top of your kidneys) produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. 

Despite how common it might be, many people with high blood pressure are never given a simple blood test to check for primary aldosteronism. In other cases, they might finally be tested years after their high blood pressure diagnosis. By this time, the condition can already lead to serious health problems. 

Misdiagnoses in other health problems are also very common. According to a 2023 study published in the JAMA journal, every year, a staggering number of people—around 795,000—either die or are left with permanent disabilities because of mistakes in their diagnosis or related issues in healthcare. Even with a more conservative estimate, the number is still very high, at about 549,000 people harmed. 

<h2>Why Is It Important to Diagnose? </h2>

People with primary aldosteronism face a <span>higher risk of heart and blood vessel</span> problems compared to those with regular high blood pressure. 

Aldosterone helps control the balance of sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood. When aldosterone levels are too high, your body can lose too much potassium and hold onto too much sodium, which directly leads to higher blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals with primary aldosterosteronism are: 

<ul><li>Nearly 2.6 times more likely to have a stroke.</li><li>Twice as likely to experience heart failure.</li><li>3.5 times more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat.</li><li>77% more likely to end up with heart disease.</li></ul>

A simple and inexpensive blood test could help identify more people with primary aldosteronism, ensuring they get the right treatment. 

<h2>New Guidelines and Treatment Options </h2>

The new report suggests that everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their aldosterone levels checked. If primary aldosteronism is found, specific treatments for that condition should be given. 

There are prescription medications available to treat primary aldosteronism. These include drugs like spironolactone and eplerenone, which help lower blood pressure and increase potassium levels in the body. 

Doctors might also recommend surgery to remove one of the two adrenal glands if only one gland is making too much aldosterone. Patients are also usually advised to follow a balanced low-sodium diet and try to lose weight to help manage the condition.

High Blood Pressure

Cause Of High Blood Pressure

misdiagnose high blood pressure

lack of information or conflicting symptom

prolonged treatment

higher risk of heart and blood vessel

It is not uncommon for doctors to misidentify a health condition or misdiagnose due to lack of information or conflicting symptoms. However, many times these mistakes can lead the patient to get the wrong treatment, and cause problems like prolonged treatment, more health problems as well as patients feeling unheard. A new report suggests that doctors are often missing a common, hormone-related reason for high blood pressure. This overlooked condition, called primary aldosteronism, could be affecting a significant number of people with high blood pressure without them even knowing. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, most doctors fail to identify this condition, even though it is the most common cause of high blood pressure. More Common Than Thought Research shows that as many as 30% of high blood pressure patients seen by heart specialists, and 14% of those seen by general doctors, actually have primary aldosteronism. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands (small glands located on top of your kidneys) produce too much of a hormone called aldosterone. Despite how common it might be, many people with high blood pressure are never given a simple blood test to check for primary aldosteronism. In other cases, they might finally be tested years after their high blood pressure diagnosis. By this time, the condition can already lead to serious health problems. Misdiagnoses in other health problems are also very common. According to a 2023 study published in the JAMA journal, every year, a staggering number of people—around 795,000—either die or are left with permanent disabilities because of mistakes in their diagnosis or related issues in healthcare. Even with a more conservative estimate, the number is still very high, at about 549,000 people harmed. Why Is It Important to Diagnose? People with primary aldosteronism face a higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems compared to those with regular high blood pressure. Aldosterone helps control the balance of sodium (salt) and potassium in your blood. When aldosterone levels are too high, your body can lose too much potassium and hold onto too much sodium, which directly leads to higher blood pressure. Studies have shown that individuals with primary aldosterosteronism are: Nearly 2.6 times more likely to have a stroke.Twice as likely to experience heart failure.3.5 times more likely to develop an irregular heartbeat.77% more likely to end up with heart disease.A simple and inexpensive blood test could help identify more people with primary aldosteronism, ensuring they get the right treatment. New Guidelines and Treatment Options The new report suggests that everyone diagnosed with high blood pressure should have their aldosterone levels checked. If primary aldosteronism is found, specific treatments for that condition should be given. There are prescription medications available to treat primary aldosteronism. These include drugs like spironolactone and eplerenone, which help lower blood pressure and increase potassium levels in the body. Doctors might also recommend surgery to remove one of the two adrenal glands if only one gland is making too much aldosterone. Patients are also usually advised to follow a balanced low-sodium diet and try to lose weight to help manage the condition.

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Are You Planning a Dental Implant? Here Are 6 Questions You Must First Ask Your Dentist

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