Dental Implants and Diabetes
There are a number of options available for patients who need to restore one or more missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most stable and comfortable treatments out there and can benefit patients of all ages. Dental implants are a safe and effective way for patients to restore missing teeth, even in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes may especially find dental implants to be ideal and though they may require additional pre and post-operative implant care, dental implants are safe for patients with control diabetes as long as their overall health status is within the guidelines for implant patients. Patients suffering from diabetes have a success rate with dental implants comparable to that of patients who are completely healthy.
Dental implants are not only more stable and comfortable for patients, but they can help patients maintain a healthy lifestyle with a well-balanced diet. Other restorative options such as traditional dentures or bridges can have negative effects on other areas of the mouth. Dentures sit above the gum tissue and do not engage the bone structure at all and can lead to bone deterioration which can, in turn, cause the denture to become ill-fitting and can even cause changes in facial structure. Dentures can also cause irritation and sores on the gum tissue which can lead to an infection but dental implants are fixed firmly in place and are easier for the patient.
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a permanent dental restoration composed of three parts: the implant, an abutment, and the implant crown. The implant itself is a titanium post that is surgically placed directly into the jawbone. The implant is allowed to heal for up to six months and relies on the body's natural healing process to fuse the implant to the bone. The integration of the implant with the jaw provides stability equal to that of a natural tooth.
The abutment acts as a bridge between the implant and the restoration. The implant restoration can be a single crown, a bridge, or even a full arch of teeth. Dental implants have the added benefit of promoting bone health! Tooth roots help stimulate bone regeneration and without them, the bone begins to deteriorate which can lead to further tooth loss and changes and facial structure. Dental implant is an artificial tooth root and help stimulate bone growth in the same way.
Dental Implants In Patients With Diabetes
For any patient, there are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration when deciding if a dental implant is the right treatment. Patient overall health, bone health, and oral health. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes have a higher risk of post procedure infection and implant failure so it is important that the patient has their diabetes well controlled. Patients with controlled diabetes do not have a higher risk of complication or implant failure the non-diabetic patients and can expect the same rate of success of about 95%.
Since dental implants are surgically placed, patients with uncontrolled diabetes may have a more difficult time healing after surgery. The usual 3 to 6 months of healing time can be longer for patients with diabetes, especially older patients who have had diabetes for a longer time, and they are more susceptible to infection.
Is there a difference in implant success in patients with Type 1 Diabetes vs Type 2 Diabetes?
Patients with either type of diabetes may still be a candidate for dental implants but patients with Type 1 diabetes have a higher failure rate with dental implants than those with Type 2. Type 1 diabetes can be more difficult for the patient to control but your Oral Surgeon will be able to assess your overall health as they take into consideration your full medical and dental history as well as what medications you are currently taking. Knowing your full medical history will help them determine if you are a good candidate for a dental implant and how your healing process will progress.
Overall Health
One of the biggest factors in determining a patient’s candidacy for dental implants is their overall health, for any patient. If a patient is unhealthy in addition to suffering from diabetes, they may not be able to receive dental implant treatment. Those with pre-existing medical conditions that compromise their ability to heal after implant placement surgery may also need to consider a different treatment path.
Patients with diabetes can have great success with dental implants but there are a few other factors that may contribute to any patient’s ability to receive a dental implant. Some of these factors include:
- Pre-existing periodontal disease: Patients with untreated gum disease are not likely to have success with dental implants. If a patient has periodontal disease, it must be treated and maintained in order for an implant to successfully integrate with bone structure.
- Bone density: Patients with poor bone density will not have the structure required to support a dental implant. In this case, a bone graft can be placed before the implant.
- Tobacco use: Smoking greatly increases the patient's healing time after implant placement surgery and the sucking action that is required to smoke a cigarette can compromise the implant's ability to heal properly. Smokers may still be able to have a dental implant placed if they are able to refrain from using cigarettes for up to six months.
- Oral cancer: Patients that have been treated for oral cancer in the past and others who have taken biphosphate medications may not be a candidate for dental implants.
In order for your dental team to determine if you are an ideal candidate for dental implant treatment, it is vital for all of your providers to have your complete medical history. Any medication that you are currently taking should be disclosed to both your Dentist and Oral Surgeon during your consultations.
Patients suffering from type 1 or type 2 diabetes should speak with their general practitioner as well as their dental team to ensure that they are fully informed of the process and the risks as well as the benefits of dental implants. Dental implants are a great way to improve your health and your overall quality of life!