Dental Implants and Diabetes
Diabetes is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which is an excess of sugar in the blood and therefore a glucose level (blood sugar) that is too high. If you live with Diabetes, you might be used to certain challenges that come with the disease, including with your dental health. Studies suggest that the relationship between serious oral disease and the development of diabetes is a two-way street. Patients with diabetes are not only more at risk of developing serious gum disease, but it is also possible that these can contribute to the worsening of diabetes by causing blood sugar deregulation. Research shows that people with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (more severe stage of gum disease). Diabetics run the risk of developing gum disease because they are more at risk of bacterial infections and also have a lower metabolism to fight oral infections. If gum disease goes unchecked, teeth will separate from the gums, bone will be damaged, and there is a high risk of losing teeth. If this happens, you have options for replacing your teeth and working towards better dental health. One of these options is dental implants.
What is a dental implant?
Dental implants are titanium posts that act as fake tooth roots that will help replace your missing tooth. They are made of titanium and there are very few reports of allergic reaction. Dental implants come in different shapes and sizes according to the needs of each person. Once surgically fixed to the bone in your mouth, and after a healing period, the implant will become integrated into your bone structure and will become an actual part of your jaw. Dental implants allow you to regain normal chewing abilities with a positive aesthetic result. Once the implant is installed, it is covered by a bridge or a prosthesis tooth, which will look, feel, and act the same way as natural teeth.
Why would I get an implant?
- You want to replace your missing teeth and do not want to weaken other teeth by having a bridge
- You are missing teeth and are hoping to enhance the look and feel of your smile. Implants can even work for you if you have completely lost all your teeth.
- You have strong and ample enough bone mass in your upper and lower jaw for the placement of implants. If you do not, a bone graft is possible.
- There is no age limit.
Are dental implants safe for diabetics?
This is a question many diabetic patients ask themselves, as diabetes adds additional concerns to implant surgery. However, being diabetic does not necessarily mean choosing a different solution to restore a missing tooth. Generally, yes, implants are safe for diabetics. Diabetes is no reason to rule them out. Not only are dental implants safe for diabetics, but forgoing removable dentures for more permanent dental implants can also improve the health of those with diabetes. Having implants has shown to help diabetics better maintain a well-balanced diet and can help eliminate the irritation, inflammation, and infections that are sometimes caused by dentures. Technology and new research in the field of dentistry have made it possible to achieve high success rates in dental implantation in diabetic patients. The success rates have reached the same level as those of patients without diabetes. So, if you are diabetic and have decided to have a dental implant to replace a lost tooth, all you need to do is visit the dentist, who will give you all the information you need for dental treatment.
What happens during my dental appointments? Should I report my diabetes to my dentist?
Diabetics have specific needs: good communication with your dentist will allow your dentist to adapt their treatment to your disease. Keep your dentist informed of the progress of your diabetes and of any medications prescribed by your doctor. If you are not having good blood sugar control, put off any non-urgent dental treatment. It is important to take some precautions before, during, and after dental implants if you have diabetes.
Some Considerations for Diabetics who are considering implants
Before placing dental implants:
Above all, it is strongly recommended to have your diabetes and blood sugar under control. This is essential for your overall well-being and for the health of your body and your mouth. If you diabetes is under control, it is then realistic to plan the placement of dental implants. In addition, since people with diabetes are more prone to developing periodontal disease, it is also necessary to check and address this problem if it is present. Thus, before placing dental implants, the dentist can assess the condition of the diabetic patient's mouth and then treat the diagnosed periodontal disease. Indeed, people with controlled diabetes have as much chance of curing their periodontal disease as those who do not have diabetes.
During the healing process:
During the healing process from implant placement surgery, people with diabetes are at greater risk of developing infections, or other oral problems. This is despite the fact that dental implants are made of a material that is neutral to the body. Being aware of these risks and respecting the measures to be taken therefore allows for better healing of the gums. It is necessary to adequately control the diabetes, monitor oral hygiene well, and to follow your dentist’s recommendations for care after an implant. Also, the healing time is generally longer for diabetics than for people without diabetes. It is important to pay attention to any symptoms you experience after an implant.
It should be remembered, however, that there is always a risk of dental implant failure in everyone who has the surgery. Among diabetics who receive implants, people with well-balanced type 2 diabetes are said to have a higher chance of success than those with type 1.
After implant placement:
Regular monitoring and measurement of blood sugar is essential after dental implants have been placed and healed. In addition, flawless oral hygiene and good diabetes control also remain very important.