If you have diabetes, you may have been told that you cannot receive dental implants. However, we want you to know that if you meet certain health criteria, you can enjoy all the benefits that dental implants have to offer.
In this article, we will explain how diabetes can affect the dental implant process and the actionable steps you can take to increase your chance of a successful procedure.
How Diabetes Affects Dental Implants
While many patients with diabetes successfully undergo dental implant procedures, specific issues may interfere with the process. These factors include:
Adequate General Health for Surgery
While patients with excellent blood sugar and A1C regulation experience better outcomes, some patients with uncontrolled diabetes may not be healthy enough to undergo an elective surgical procedure. It is best to consult your primary care provider and endocrinologist before proceeding with the dental implant process.
Healing Ability
Diabetes slows blood circulation, immune response, and nerve function. These three factors are key to the healing process. Your dental implant’s health and longevity depend on how well you heal after surgery, since the affected tissues must recover their strength. When your blood sugar is well-controlled, healing is more efficient.
Bone Health
Since diabetes affects blood circulation, it also impacts the rate of bone growth. The dental implant process relies on osseointegration, a bond between bone tissue and the biocompatible material in the dental implant anchor. Without proper bone growth, this process will be incomplete and your implant will be at a higher risk of failure.
Risk of Infection
Since diabetes negatively impacts the immune system, patients are more likely to experience infections. Gum disease is an infection that can weaken the gums, bone, and other structures supporting the teeth. Peri-implantitis, one of the major causes of dental implant failure, is another infection that attacks the area around the dental implant anchor. Either or both of these conditions can significantly impact your implants’ longevity and success rate.
How to Increase Your Chances of Dental Implant Success With a Diabetes Diagnosis
Positive dental implant outcomes depend on whether your condition can be brought under control. The following factors contribute heavily to your implants’ success:
Control Your Blood Sugar and A1C
A patient with consistently high blood sugar levels and an elevated A1C will not be eligible for dental implant surgery. However, many patients whose condition responds well to exercise, diet changes, and medication can keep their risk factors low enough to permit proper healing and successful implantation.
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Since patients with diabetes are more prone to gum disease and tooth decay, they need to maintain impeccable oral hygiene. Proper attention to oral hygiene can prevent or reduce these issues.
Keep All Scheduled Dental Appointments
While appropriate home care is key to successful dental implants, you will also need to keep a regular visit schedule with our office. We can check the health of your implants and maximize their lifespan.
Be Vigilant for Changes in Your Implants
If you notice any swelling, bleeding, tooth decay, pus, or other changes, call us immediately. You may have developed an infection that could jeopardize the health of your dental implant. In addition, if your implant becomes loose or moves at all when you touch it, you will need immediate attention.
Understanding How Diabetes Affects Dental Implant Outcomes
Knowing how your condition could affect your dental implants gives you the tools to seek care when necessary. If you have diabetes and need dental implants, we can help you determine whether you are a suitable candidate. Please contact our Framingham, MA, office to schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Why are dental implants considered the gold standard for tooth replacement?
Unlike other tooth replacement options like bridges and conventional dentures, implants replace the entire tooth from the root to the crown. Since the implant anchor replaces the root, the jawbone receives the chewing stimulation it needs to stay healthy and strong. Dental implants do not slip, click, or trap food like conventional dentures, and they are easier to maintain than standard bridges.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The dental implant process has multiple steps and can take several months to complete. Each step requires a healing period.
In addition to proper control of my blood sugar and A1C, what are the criteria for successful dental implant placement?
Here are the general criteria that we follow when evaluating whether a patient is a good candidate for the procedure:
- Sufficient bone density to keep the implant in place
- Absence of active tooth decay or gum disease
- Healthy enough for a surgical procedure
- Non-smoker or willing to quit tobacco use
If I don’t have enough bone volume to place an implant, what can I do?
If your tooth has been missing for an extended period and you lack the jawbone strength to place an implant, you will need a dental bone graft to add more volume. Within 6 to 9 months, your jawbone will naturally grow around the graft material and give us enough room to work.
Can I replace more than one tooth at a time using dental implants?
Yes, we also offer implant-supported bridges and dentures for our patients missing multiple teeth. These appliances efficiently replace up to a complete arch using only a few implant anchors. Implant-supported dentures have several advantages over conventional dentures, particularly in ease of care.
At Metrowest Prosthodontics, we want to ensure that our patients’ dental implants succeed. If you have diabetes or another chronic health condition and want to replace a missing or damaged tooth, please get in touch with us today. We will gladly schedule a consultation to review your options and help you achieve a healthy smile.