Dental Implants and Diabetes
If you are a diabetic who has suffered tooth loss, you may have wondered if dental implants are an option for you. Certainly, dental implants are the most sought-after form of tooth replacement for partially or fully edentulous patients. Capable of solving a wide array of oral problems with one highly adaptable dental technology, they are versatile, functional, and attractive. Happily, for those living with diabetes, the answer is yes: dental implants are not only a viable option, but they can actually play a positive part in supporting your overall and oral health.
Dental Implants: The Basics
Unlike conventional dentures, which are comprised of a bulky acrylic base into which prosthetic teeth are permanently installed, dental implants are a streamlined tooth replacement technology that are inserted directly into the jaw. This simple but effective system replaces every part of a missing tooth, from the roots to the crown. It is because of the complete nature of the dental implant that this technology can forego the bulky base that can make conventional dentures so uncomfortable.
Because prosthetic roots are included in dental implants, the first step in having them installed includes a brief surgical procedure, during which the implant fixture, or prosthetic root, is embedded deep into the jawbone. This procedure takes place below the surface of the gumline, which is later stitched up and allowed time to heal.
The implant fixture itself is never visible, but it is later used as the connection point for the abutment, a small connecting piece that attaches to the upper end of the implant fixture and to the prosthetic crown or other appliance (i.e. implant-retained bridge or denture) that completes the implant. The entire process takes anywhere from two to six months, with the vast majority of this time being dedicated to the initial healing and integration phase following the insertion of the dental implant fixture. After it has successfully merged with the jawbone, the rest of the procedure move along much more quickly.
While single teeth can be replaced with individual dental implants, whole arches or even all of one’s teeth can be replaced with dental implant technology, as well. In fact, a whole mouth of teeth can be replaced via implant-retained dentures with as few as four to eight implants.
Potential Concerns for Diabetic Patients
For diabetics, the prospect of oral surgery might give one pause. Indeed, there are special concerns for diabetic patients that should be carefully examined. The most important consideration for those living with diabetes who would like to explore dental implants as an option is the current status of their diabetes. For those whose diabetes is not in check, dental implants could pose a problem, as there are more likely to be complications. This does not mean that dental implants are never a good idea; in this case, it is best to wait until your diabetes is more firmly under control before proceeding with dental implants. If the condition is largely under control at the time of dental implant insertion, however, the outcome will likely be good.
The type of diabetes can also influence whether or not dental implants are a good option. In general, those with Type 2 diabetes tend to have better outcomes that those with Type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, baseline health is an important factor here. With all of these factors in play, it is important to have a careful and thorough conversation with various members of one’s health team before making a decision to pursue dental implants; in some cases, it might be advisable to improve one’s baseline health before embarking on a time-intensive procedure such as this.
It is important to note that there is no limit on the age at which one can have dental implants installed; the most important factor is overall health, as that will determine how quickly and thoroughly one is able to heal, how easily one’s body can accept an implant, and the likelihood of complications at any point in the process. At the same time, however, well-controlled diabetes, particularly when it comes to Type 2, can be a part of this picture of good baseline health, so if you are interested in dental implants, it’s worth checking into. There are many ways in which dental implants can benefit those living with diabetes.
Benefits of Dental Implants for Diabetics
Because dental implants are much more functional than conventional dentures, they allow their wearers to eat a much more diverse range of foods. For diabetics, as well as others, this can allow for a healthier, more balanced diet, which is an important component of managing one’s blood sugar and overall metabolic health.
Furthermore, dental implants are far less irritating to the soft tissues of the mouth than conventional dentures. While conventional dentures can move around in the mouth and cause friction sores, which could lead to oral infections and even abscesses in diabetic patients, dental implants eliminate this concern; because they are firmly implanted in the mouth, their lack of movement virtually eliminates the risk of oral sores. For a population that is prone to complications with any kind of infection, this is an important benefit.
Finally, dental implants can generally improve one’s daily satisfaction and quality of life. While this is not a benefit that is limited to diabetics – it is a benefit of dental implants for all populations – it should not be overlooked. By allowing for greater comfort, reliability, and functionality, dental implants can help people feel more confident and carefree in their daily lives.
Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
Dental implants can be an excellent investment in one’s overall health and happiness. The choice to get dental implants is also a highly personal choice that must be made in consultation with one’s health providers. If you think you might be interested in dental implants, the first step is to make an appointment with a trusted dentist or oral surgeon. Answer their questions honestly about the status of your diabetes as well as your overall health. From there, your provider should be able to counsel you on this important choice. What are you waiting for? Pick up the phone and make the call today!