Dental Implants and Diabetes
Dental implants are among the most popular tooth replacement solutions for adults with missing teeth. However, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, including patients with diabetes, may be wondering if dental implants are the right choice for them. You may be surprised to hear that not only are dental implants safe for patients with diabetes, but dental implants can also help improve the oral health of those with diabetes. Below is more information on the benefits of dental implants for individuals with diabetes.
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal or ceramic posts that are securely implanted into the jawbone. Implants are designed to act like the root of a natural tooth, offering stability, security, and helping to maintain the shape of the mouth and jaw. While there are numerous tooth replacement options available, there are many benefits of dental implants, including improved comfort, durability, and stability. After the surgical implant procedure is performed by a prosthodontist or periodontist, a several month healing period occurs when the implant should fuse with the jawbone. Once the implant is securely fused to the bone, a connector called an abutment, is placed on top of the implant to attach an artificial crown.
Does Diabetes Affect A Patient’s Ability to Get Dental Implants?
For individuals with diabetes, they may be wondering if they are a good candidate for dental implant treatment. In most cases, dental implant treatment is just as successful for patients with diabetes as it is for those without. When diabetes is well managed and under control, dental implant procedures are safe and successful. If you or someone you love has diabetes and is interested in seeking out a tooth replacement option, here are some questions to consider when deciding if dental implants are the right choice:
- Is the individual’s diabetes under control? Recent research demonstrates that patients who have diabetes that is well-managed have the same risk of complications or failures as individuals without diabetes. However, studies show that patients with uncontrolled diabetes are at a greater risk of both post-procedure infection as well as implant failure.
- Does the individual have type 1 or type 2 diabetes? Type 1 diabetes can be more difficult for individuals to control than type 2 diabetes. This means the risks of complications can be slightly higher for those with type 1 diabetes. This increased risk does not mean those with type 1 diabetes do not qualify for dental implants. However, individuals with type 1 diabetes may have to discuss their health in greater detail with their oral surgeon, including review of medical and dental records, assessing overall health and learning more about history of infection.
- What is the individual’s healing process? The body’s natural ability to heal is central to dental implant success. After the implants are placed in the jawbone a healing period is required when the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration. Additionally, the gums must heal as well. This healing of the jawbone and gums is what makes dental implants so secure and stable and a more permanent solution than bridges or conventional dentures. However, healing can be much slower for patients with diabetes, especially patients with uncontrolled diabetes. For patients with diabetes, dental providers may encourage they work with their physician to get their diabetes under control before they proceed with dental implant treatment.
- Are you generally healthy? A common question asked by those interested in dental implants is, “am I too old for dental implants?”. In truth, the health of the patient matters more than the age. Health conditions that will complicate or make dental implant treatment more challenging include:
- Existing gum or periodontal disease
- Low bone density
- Additional issues that may challenge the post-implant healing period
- Being a current smoker: cigarette or cigar smoking will delay the healing process in the mouth.
- Additionally, the sucking action that is a part of smoking can compromise the implants’ healing
- Having oral cancer, been treated for oral cancer, or have taken bisphosphate medications in the past
- Having another condition or disease that compromises the ability to heal
All of these conditions and other considerations will be discussed with the dental provider during the initial implant consultation appointment. When possible, providers will work with patients who may be unable to immediately move forward with implant treatment to come up with a plan that will work toward to eventually getting the dental implants.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Individuals with Diabetes
Dental implants offer many benefits to individuals with diabetes. Some of the major benefits include:
- Restoring chewing and speaking function that may be lost with missing teeth.
- Enhancing the appearance of the smile.
- Helping to maintain a well-balanced diet: individuals with implants are able to eat fresh, whole foods that individuals with dentures are not able to eat.
- Reducing irritation: dental implants can eliminate the inflammation, irritation and infections that are common with dentures or diseased teeth.
- Improved comfort: dentures are prone to shifting and slipping in the mouth, causing gum tenderness and sores.
- Dental implants are secure in the mouth and offer a tooth replacement option that will not cause irritation and discomfort.
- Ease of care: Alternative tooth replacement options, such as dentures or bridges are affordable and quick.
- However, many of these alternatives require more daily maintenance. Dental implants are fixed in place, and can be cared for just like natural teeth, with regular daily brushing and flossing.
- Improved Quality of Life: Dental implants can improve quality of life in many ways. Increased confidence in their smile, restoring chewing function, eating healthier foods are all benefits of dental implants that will help improve overall quality of life.
If you or someone in your family has diabetes and are interested in replacing your missing teeth with dental implants, you should have a conversation with your dental provider. While there are many considerations that must be discussed prior to committing to an implant treatment plan, dental implants can offer many benefits to improve quality of life for individuals with diabetes.