Almost 9% of the entire living population of the United States suffers from diabetes, and according to an estimate, 8 million people do not even know they have it! People with diabetes have high sugar levels in their bloodstream and saliva, making their teeth prone to cavities and, thus, decay which may eventually lead to tooth loss. So, if that happens, are dental implants a safe substitute for people with diabetes?
Yes, absolutely! Not only are they safe, but they are also one of the most successful treatments for a person with diabetes who loses their tooth.
Are Dental Implants a Good Choice For People with Diabetes?
Yes, indeed they are! Dental implants can be a very good option for diabetics as long as their condition (blood sugar level) is well-controlled.
This is because if you have uncontrolled diabetes, there is a greater risk of complications after dental implant surgery.
Some of the complications include infection or delayed healing. It’s important for diabetics to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and manage their diabetes before and after dental implant surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Factors Affecting Dental Implants Success in Diabetes
The following factors affect the success rate of dental implants in people with diabetes:
- Poorly controlled blood sugar levels: Uncontrolled diabetes greatly damages the blood vessels and nerves in the mouth, which can negatively alter the healing process after dental implant surgery.
- Periodontal disease: People with diabetes are more prone to gum disease, which can adversely affect the success of dental implants.
- Smoking: Smoking decreases the blood supply to your gums and also interferes with the healing process after dental implant surgery.
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene increases the risk of infection after a dental implant procedure.
- Certain medications: Certain medications, such as steroids and immunosuppressants, taken by diabetics interfere with the body’s normal functioning.
Types of Dental Implants For Diabetics
Mini Dental Implants
In case you have a single missing tooth, mini dental implants are perfect for you. However, they are not a permanent solution and need continued repair and replacement. That is why these dental implants are not considered feasible for people with diabetes.
Single Tooth Replacement
You must be thinking, how is a single tooth implant any different from mini ones? Well, they often use the bridge technique marking its dissimilarity.
It is good in the short run but opens the teeth next to the missing one to decay. This means that your teeth need a lot more dental work. Not ideal for diabetic patients.
All On 4 Dental Implants
All-on-four dental implants are one of the most popular options for people with diabetes. They have four positioned dental implants in the jaw with a full set of lower or upper teeth.
The work is done in a manner to attain maximum support from the actual existing bone, and there is no requirement for bone grafting.
If you have diabetes and need all upper and lower teeth replacement, this is an ideal option for you since there is no need to reach the bone offering the least damage.
Final Words
It is important if you have diabetes to properly manage blood sugar levels and maintain good oral hygiene to increase your chances of success with dental implants. At Pearlshine Dental, we make sure to examine our patients and their condition thoroughly before starting with any kind of treatment. Head down to our clinic for more information. Dial (281) 477 7200 to connect with us.