Can You Get Dental Implants with Diabetes?
Posted on November 30, 2024
Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide and poses unique challenges to oral health. One significant concern for diabetics is their increased susceptibility to tooth loss, which often results from complications like gum disease and delayed healing. If you’re living with diabetes and dealing with missing teeth, dental implants can be an attractive tooth replacement option. High-quality dental implants are a great way to restore the functionality of teeth, enabling access to better nutrition and improving confidence.
At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Whitby and our team of specialists provide tailored care for patients with diabetes. From planning to follow up, our team ensures that your unique needs are met with precision and expertise.
What Makes Tooth Loss More Common with Diabetes
Diabetes can significantly impact oral health especially when you’re facing challenges controlling it on your own. Some of the challenges that can make tooth loss more prevalent in people with diabetes include a heightened risk of gum disease and a weakened immune response. When high blood sugar levels are more persistent, it can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, leaving diabetics more vulnerable to gum disease. Over time, untreated gum disease can weaken the gums and jaw bone, leading to tooth loss. Diabetes can interfere with the immune system, making it harder for the body to combat bacteria and inflammation in the mouth.
These factors contribute to a higher prevalence of missing teeth in diabetic patients, leaving many seeking restorative options like dental implants. However, this does not mean that patients with diabetes cannot reap the benefits of dental implants. The best way to determine if dental implants are a viable solution for your tooth loss is by booking a consultation with your local periodontist in Whitby.
Are Dental Implants Safe for People with Diabetes?
The short answer is yes, but with some caveats. While diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting dental implants, it does introduce certain risks that must be addressed or considered throughout the process. Research shows that dental implants are successful in diabetic patients, provided their condition is well-controlled. However, diabetes does introduce additional risks that need to be carefully managed by a periodontist near you.
How Periodontists Prepare Diabetics for Dental Implants
At The Perio Centre, we specialize in managing complex cases. If you have diabetes and would like to consider dental implants, the approach to the periodontal surgery may include the following:
- A Comprehensive Evaluation: Before recommending dental implants, we perform a thorough assessment of your oral health, gum condition, and overall medical history. For diabetics, this includes reviewing blood sugar control and identifying any risk factors for complications.
- Blood Sugar Management: Controlled blood sugar levels are critical for the success of dental implants. Poorly managed diabetes can lead to issues like implant failure or delayed healing. Your periodontist can collaborate with your primary healthcare provider to ensure your diabetes is well-managed before proceeding.
- Treating Gum Disease First: If you have gum disease, the experts at The Perio Centre prioritize treating it before starting the implant process. Healthy gums and strong bone support are essential for the long-term success of dental implants. Gum disease treatment may include scaling and root planing, laser therapy, and bone or tissue grafts, if necessary.
- Personalized Implant Planning: At The Perio Centre we are equipped with advanced imaging technology to precisely plan your implant placement, minimizing risks and ensuring optimal outcomes.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients
Not only are implants possible for patients struggling with diabetes, dental implants can significantly improve quality of life for diabetics who are already facing many dietary restrictions. Dental implants restore chewing function, allowing you to enjoy a blanched diet, including healthier foods that would otherwise be difficult to eat.
Dental implants are also reported to be far more comfortable than alternatives like dentures and bridges, because they don’t rely on the adjacent teeth for support. Because implants are made with surgical grade titanium inserted directly into the bone, it minimizes bone loss, preserving your facial structure for longer.
Ultimately with proper care at home and with your periodontist in Whitby, dental implants are a long-lasting and durable solution for anyone challenged by tooth loss, gum recession, and gum disease.
Consider Dental Implants with Dr. Adam Ohayon and The Perio Centre
At The Perio Centre, we understand the unique challenges diabetic patients face when considering dental implants. Our team of skilled periodontists in Whitby specializes in personalized care, ensuring that every aspect of your health is considered throughout the treatment process. From addressing gum disease to crafting a tailored implant plan, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.