Diabetics And Dental Implants

What are the risks involved for patients with diabetes?

Diabetes can be misunderstood by the general public. Sometimes perceived as something that can be easily controlled with medication and only a relatively minor inconvenience, it can, in fact, have very serious health consequences if not managed correctly.

We don’t wish to go into other medical aspects of diabetes, and will leave that to the experts. We do, however, understand the effects that diabetes can have on a person’s oral health.

Gum disease

A major dental problem that many diabetics find difficult to control is gum disease. It is thought that around one in every three diabetics will experience periodontitis, the most serious form, at some stage in their life. This is likely to be due to higher levels of glucose being present in the saliva which provides an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. In addition to this, many diabetics suffer from a dry mouth which has a similar effect. When periodontitis strikes, it can result in tooth loss and leaves the question of how best to replace them.

Dentures or dental implants?

Whilst the benefits of dental implants are well known, many diabetics opt for dentures as a simple method of tooth replacement. These are often less than satisfactory though, and due to bone shrinkage, often also prove to be uncomfortable over time. The good news for diabetics, is that dental implants can be used. Where tooth loss has been caused by bone deterioration, this would need to be rebuilt using a bone graft. Once the bone level and density is sufficient, a dental implant can be placed as normal.

Special considerations

It goes without saying that it is important for diabetics with dental implants, or otherwise, to pay particular attention to their blood sugar levels. Dental implants can last for twenty years or more, but will only do so if taken care of. Diabetics must ensure that special care is also taken when cleaning their teeth, and flossing is essential too in order to remove bacteria that find their way into places that a brush can’t reach. Professional supervision is also key to healthy dental implants and, at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice in Burton, we will discuss this with you at your initial consultation. Whilst, normally, we invite patients back every six months for a checkup, it is possible that we will ask to see you more frequently in order to ensure that any problems are identified quickly.

Although the success rate for dental implants in patients with diabetes is not quite as high as in non sufferers, it is still very good indeed, and, in the majority of cases where there is implant failure, this is due to insufficient aftercare being taken.

We understand that having dental implants can be a major decision for diabetics and will use the initial consultation at our Burton dental implant centre to discuss your condition, the medication that you take and whether, realistically, you are a good candidate for implants. Providing that both parties are satisfied that there is a good chance of success, we will be able to replace your missing teeth with implants that, with care, should last you for many many years to come.

Please call Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345 for more information.