Can People with Diabetes Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants represent the pinnacle of tooth restoration. They replace missing teeth while mimicking their natural shape, color, and luster, making them virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Unfortunately, patients with diabetes who receive dental implants face higher failure rates. This does not mean that diabetes instantly rules someone out from treatment because they can be a viable candidate with the proper precautions. Read on to learn more about how dental implants can work for people with diabetes.

What Makes People with Diabetes More at Risk for Implant Failure?

Dental implants are placed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. Having type 1 or type 2 diabetes complicates the process because it makes the patient slower to heal and more prone to infection. Gum disease is the chief cause of implant failure, and it can happen if slowly healing surgical wounds in the gums become infected. Since it makes healing take longer, diabetes can also impede the implant from fusing with the jawbone. Because of these concerns, special care must be taken when diabetic patients receive dental implants, though it is still quite possible.

How Can a Diabetic Patient Ensure a Successful Dental Implant?

While diabetes does present complications for receiving dental implants, there are ways to manage it. A few ways to maximize your chances of successful dental implants include:

• Manage your diabetes properly: The symptoms of diabetes can be controlled with the proper health regimen. Talk with your doctor about proper diet, exercise, and medication.
• Stick with good oral hygiene: At-home dental care is a key part of preventing gum disease. This includes brushing at least twice every day, flossing at least once, and using antibacterial mouthwash.
• Treat your gum disease: If you already have gingivitis or another stage of gum infection, see a dentist about getting that cleared up before beginning the dental implant process.
• Keep up with regular dental check-ups: People with diabetes are more prone to oral health problems, so regular dentist appointments even more important before and after a dental implant procedure.

If you have diabetes and missing teeth, don’t give up on dental implants just yet. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you’re potentially a good candidate for the procedure. Dental implants can give you a smile you’ll want to show off for decades to come.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar earned his doctorate from Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry. He practiced dentistry in the corporate sphere, a non-profit public health clinic, and private dental offices before establishing his own practice in Denton, TX. Services include general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry in addition to dental implant treatments. If you are curious about receiving dental implants while living with diabetes, contact his office online or dial (940) 566-5332.