Are Dental Implants Safe for Diabetics?
Not only are dental implants safe for diabetics, forgoing dentures for more permanent dental implants can improve the health of those with diabetes.
In addition to helping diabetics comfortably maintain a well-balanced diet, implants eliminate the inflammation, irritation and infections that are more common with dentures or diseased teeth. While it’s true that those with diabetes may require special pre- and post-implant care in order to maximize success, recent studies show that dental implants are safe for those with controlled diabetes.
How Does Diabetes Affect My Ability to Get Dental Implants?
According to a 2016 study on dental implants and diabetes, researchers found that, “When diabetes is under well control, implant procedures are safe and predictable with a complication rate similar to that of healthy patients.” This is great news for adults with diabetes who need to replace a tooth or want a safe and more lasting alternative to dentures.
Here are some of the considerations for those who want to ensure dental implants are a safe choice for them:
Is your diabetes under control?
While the systematic review of multiple studies showed patients with controlled diabetes have no more risk of complications or failures than their non-diabetic counterparts, it also shows that patients with uncontrolled diabetes had higher rates of both post-procedure infection and implant failure.
Dental implants are embedded into the jaw bone. They rely on the body’s natural healing processes for the jaw to integrate with the implant (osseointegration). Then, the gums must heal as well. This complete integration into the jaw and healing of the gums is what makes dental implants so much like real teeth, and a much more permanent solution than conventional bridges or dentures.
Because the healing process can be slower for those with diabetes, patients with uncontrolled diabetes have a more difficult time healing. Thus, your oral surgeon may request that you work with your internist to control your diabetes before dental implant treatment. Once those pieces of the puzzle are in place, you’ll be ready to begin dental implant treatment.
Dental implants can help you maintain a diabetes-healthy diet
Have you noticed that the healthiest diets for individuals with diabetes include lots of fresh, whole foods that require chewing firmer foods? The permanent nature of dental implants makes it much easier to eat the foods you need compared to dentures.
Dentures are much more prone to moving around, causing gum tenderness and denture sores. Foods that require stronger bite force like nutritious, high-fiber vegetables can be impossible to eat. When people suffer from the poor fit, irritation and discomfort caused by dentures, they’re more apt to eat less or eat the wrong foods and resort to softer, processed, higher-carb options. This can make it it impossible to keep blood sugar levels in check.
Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about whether dental implants are safe with your diabetes. We’ll do a complete evaluation and refer you to our oral surgeons for evaluation. Proper oral care can be the next best step to help you take care of your whole body!