Diabetes and dental implants Skip to main content

Diabetes and dental implants

Are you hoping to get dental implants but worried that your diabetes may prevent you from being eligible for treatment?

While a disease such as diabetes does present possible issues, having diabetes does not automatically disqualify you from the best permanent solution for replacing missing teeth.

How does diabetes affect dental implants?

It’s important to understand why diabetes can be problematic for dental implant placement.

Potential effects of diabetes are slower wound healing and increased risk of infection, particularly in patients that may not be managing the disease carefully. Wound healing may be impaired because diabetes can gradually cause blood vessels to narrow and stiffen over time. These changes in your blood vessels can cause the normal inflammatory response to disease or trauma to be prolonged.

The permanent fusion of the titanium implant posts to your natural bone is one of the top factors that lead to a successful implant. If the healing process is slowed or weakened, the risks of a failed implant become greater.

Proper management of your diabetes

Fortunately, the process for combatting this challenge can be simple. Through diet, exercise, medication and diligence, you can control your diabetes and reduce the likelihood of complications with your dental implants.

How to get dental implants when you have diabetes

The first step is to let your oral surgeon know that you are a diabetic and inform your medical doctor that you are considering dental implants.

Your oral surgeon and doctor will likely collaborate in order to come up with a plan to prepare your body for the implant surgery. Depending on the severity of your diabetes and your current health, you may need some time before you are ready for implants. Once your diabetes is under control, your risk of implant failure is almost the same as patients who do not suffer from the disease.

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