Dental Implants for Diabetics: What to Know Before Moving Forward
Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions for replacing missing teeth. Designed to look, feel, and function like natural teeth, they can restore not only your smile but your confidence and comfort as well.
While dental implants are safe and successful for most patients, individuals with diabetes may face additional considerations. With thoughtful planning, collaborative care, and proper disease management, many diabetic patients can receive implants safely and successfully.
In this article, we’ll explore how diabetes impacts dental implant success, what risks to consider, and how Bergen Oral Surgery helps diabetic patients navigate the implant process safely and confidently.
Are Dental Implants Safe for Diabetics?
Yes—many diabetic patients successfully receive dental implants. Success rates are especially high among patients who actively manage their condition. Research shows that diabetic patients with well-controlled blood sugar have dental implant success rates between 85.5 and 100%—nearly identical to the success rates for patients without diabetes.
The key to success is working with an experienced oral surgeon who understands the connection between diabetes and oral health and who can coordinate with your medical team to create a safe, individualized treatment plan.
Dental Implant Risks for Diabetics
Although diabetes doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving dental implants, it does increase certain risks, particularly if your blood sugar levels are not well managed.
These risks include:
- Slower healing after surgery
- Increased risk of infection in the gums and bone
- Reduced osseointegration, which is the process of the implant bonding with the jaw bone
Each patient’s situation is unique, and a detailed evaluation and collaborative care approach is essential before moving forward with implant placement.
Call or text Bergen Oral Surgery at (201) 477-2667 to schedule an evaluation.
Factors That Influence Implant Success in Diabetics
Several health and treatment-related factors contribute to a positive outcome for diabetic patients considering dental implants, from management of your blood sugar to the type and number of implants placed. Typically we have found that patients with stable A1C levels do the best with implants.
Blood Sugar Control
Maintaining good glycemic control is critical for successful implants. Patients with stable A1C levels (generally below 7%) are much more likely to heal properly and avoid complications.
If your A1C is elevated, we may recommend delaying treatment to improve your blood sugar control and increase your chances of implant success.
Presence of Diabetes-Related Complications
Diabetes can impact circulation, immune response, and bone density, all of which are important to implant healing from dental implant surgery. For that reason, we will want to do a thorough evaluation and check for conditions such as periodontal (gum) disease, jawbone loss, and vascular complications. These conditions should be treated before your implants are placed.
Depending on your individual circumstances, we may recommend gum disease treatment, bone grafting, or other preliminary care to improve implant readiness and ensure that dental implants are possible.
Great Oral Hygiene in Diabetes Patients
Excellent oral hygiene is crucial for all implant patients—and even more so for patients with diabetes due to increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to brush and floss regularly and attend all follow-up appointments. For diabetic patients, these steps are even more essential to reduce the risk of inflammation and peri-implantitis, an implant-related gum disease.
Number of Dental Implants
How your dental implants are placed is the final factor in determining dental implant success.
Placing fewer implants or using systems like All-on-4®, which support a full arch of teeth with just four posts, may reduce surgical stress and improve healing potential in diabetic patients.
What to Expect If You’re Diabetic and Considering Dental Implants
If you’re diabetic and considering dental implants, close coordination with your medical team is key. Your oral surgeon at Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will conduct a thorough assessment, consult with your doctors, and make recommendations to increase your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
Here’s what your experience may include:
- A comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation, including your medical history, an A1C review, and bone scans
- Collaboration with primary care provider or endocrinologist
- Personalized surgical planning with extra healing time built in after surgery
- Ongoing post-operative care, including monitoring for early signs of complications such as infection or loosening of the implants
- A customized treatment plan before and after surgery, which may include bone grafting or staged procedures as needed
Bergen Oral Surgery’s experienced team of board-certified oral surgeons in NJ specializes handling complex cases with a focus on safety, personalized care, and clear communication across providers. While diabetes can complicate the process to receive dental implants, our decades of experience and extensive experience with highly complex oral surgery cases ensures that you’re in good hands.
When Dental Implants May Not Be Recommended
While diabetes alone doesn’t rule out dental implants, certain conditions may mean that implants aren’t the safest choice—at least not right away. These include:
Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of implant failure and surgical complications. Patients with A1C levels consistently above 8–9% are at a significantly higher risk of complications. Improving blood sugar control is often the first step toward becoming a candidate for implants.
Untreated Gum Disease or Bone Loss
Diabetics are more prone to gum disease and bone loss, both of which can increase the risk of implant failure. Medical treatment for gum disease and bone grafting procedures can help to improve the health of your gums and bone before surgery, leading to better long-term outcomes.
Systemic Health Risks
If your diabetes is accompanied by other serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease or immune suppression, implants simply may not be the right choice. Our expert team can guide you toward other, less-invasive tooth replacement options to restore your smile without endangering your health.
Consult with an Oral Surgeon for the Right Guidance
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we’ve spent more than 70 years helping patients restore their smiles with personalized, expert care. Our team includes board-certified, dual-degree oral surgeons trained in both medicine and dentistry—giving us a unique understanding of how diabetes and other health conditions impact surgical outcomes.
With advanced imaging and surgical planning tools and a compassionate, patient-first approach we’re here to help you explore your options. Our four locations in Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood all offer comprehensive dental implant services in NJ focused on your health, comfort, and results.
Ready to take the next step toward a better smile? Our expert team is here to guide you through every stage of the dental implant process—safely, thoughtfully, and with your total health in mind. Request an appointment online today.
