Dental Implants and Diabetes
Patients with diabetes can rest assured that dental implants are a safe and reliable solution for replacing their missing teeth. Not only are the implants safe, they can even improve the overall health of patient by helping patient to maintain a more nutritious and balanced diet. In addition, they can aid in the prevention of inflammation, infection, and irritation. All symptoms which patients often experience when they have dentures or decayed teeth. Although diabetic patients may need some additional care before and after receiving implants, studies have recently found that it is perfectly safe for patients with controlled diabetes to receive implants.
During the placement of dental implants, they embed directly into the jawbone. The implant procedure relies on the body’s natural ability to heal and simultaneously fuse to the implant. This ultimately forms a strong and secure base for the prosthetic tooth. The fusing of the implant and bone is called osseointegration and is vital to a successful implant. It is also important to allow the gums adequate time to properly heal. With their unique ability to fuse the jawbone, implants provide patients with both the appearance and function comparable to their natural teeth. The fusing of the implant to the jawbone also stimulates the jawbone which aids in preventing bone resorption. When the bone is not stimulated, it can cause changes in the appearance and structure of the face.
Dental Implants and Diabetes
In 2016, a study was conducted which evaluated the use of dental implants for patients with diabetes. The results of the study found that there were no major issues with the implants and it was a perfect safe procedure for patients with controlled diabetes. Based on the data, there were similar rates of implant complications for diabetic patients and healthy patients. The results were incredibly optimistic for diabetic patients looking for a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth.
This article will review various factors which should be considered when a diabetic patient is considering dental implant treatment.
Recovery
For patients with diabetes, there can often be a slower recovery time and the healing process may also take longer. In cases of patients who have uncontrolled diabetes, this can be more exaggerated and the healing time can be significantly extended. The dentist or oral surgeon may even suggest for the patient to focus on controlling their diabetes prior to continuing with the dental implant process. When the patient’s diabetes is under control, there should be no issues in proceeding with the procedure of placing dental implants.
Balanced Diet
A nutritious and balanced diet often includes consuming fresh, whole foods. These foods are often firm and can be challenging for patients with missing teeth to consume. Dental implants provide patients with a strong and secure solution which makes it easier to consume healthy foods.
Dentures
With traditional dentures, the patient’s diet must be modified or the dentures must be removed when eating certain foods. It is common for dentures to slip, rub, and move around in the mouth. This can cause sores, tenderness and be quite uncomfortable. Foods, including fiber rich vegetables, can be challenging to chew and make it necessary for the patient to have a stronger bite to consume. When wearing uncomfortable and bulky dentures, it may be easier for the patient to eat less nutritious, softer foods. Because of the limitations, patients may choose to consume processed foods full of simple carbohydrates and sugar. While a poor diet is bad for anyone, it can be especially dangerous for diabetic patients as they need to maintain the right blood sugar levels.
Controlled Diabetes
When there was a systematic review completed on the various studies, patients with controlled diabetes were not found to be at an increased risk for complications or failures when they were compared to patients who did not have diabetes. When the patient had uncontrolled diabetes, they were found to have increased risks of implant infections and failures.
Diabetes: Type 1 and 2
Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes usually more difficult to control. As a result, when the patient has type 1 diabetes, they are often at a higher risk for complications and implant failure than patients who have type 2 diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are still able qualify for receiving dental implants, however, the dental professional may take extra precautions and be more thorough in evaluating the patient.
In patients with diabetes, their age may be more important. When a patient has had diabetes for a longer period of time, they may have an extended healing period and be at a higher risk for infection. For patients with diabetes who are interested in pursuing dental implants, it is important that they follow up with their dentist right away. It is not advisable to delay the treatment, unless there is a medical reason to do so.
When considering their qualification for dental implants, patients often want to know if age is an important factor. The patient’s overall health is actually more important than their age. The following conditions or factors may disqualify a patient from being a good candidate for implants:
- Low bone density; bone grafts may be used to resolve this issue
- Conditions or diseases which negatively impact the patient’s ability to heal
- Patient is unwilling or unable to follow the post-procedure restrictions and limitations
- Patients who have a history of oral cancer or used bisphosphate medications
- Gum problems or periodontal disease
- Smoking as it compromises the ability to heal and can result in implant failure. Patients must commit to cease smoking for the duration of the procedure, which typically takes at least a few
During the initial implant consultation, the dentist will review the patient’s complete health history. During this appointment, the patient also has the opportunity to share medications they take, expectations, and any questions they have.
Dental implants are an excellent solution for replacing missing or extremely damaged teeth. They provide the patient with improved confidence in their smile and restore the function of the teeth. Prior to receiving implants, the patient must be in good overall health. Patients who have diabetes, however, are not disqualified from qualifying to receive dental implants.