Dental implants are widely considered the best treatment option for missing teeth, but patients need to be good candidates in order to enjoy their long-term benefits. Because diabetic patients have an increased risk of complications during and after surgical procedures, they might not think they are good candidates for dental implants. However, patients who have their diabetes under control usually qualify for dental implants and experience successful outcomes.
At Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group in Boston, MA, our goal is to help patients achieve optimal oral health through high-quality, customized dental care. Our team of experts will review your medical and dental history to determine if dental implants are the best option for your smile. In many cases, patients with diabetes simply need to get their blood sugar under control in order to pursue dental implant placement.
Why Does Diabetes Increase Risks for Dental Implant Patients?
Uncontrolled diabetes can cause poor blood circulation. Poor blood circulation makes the wound healing process much slower and sometimes even impossible. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are also at greater risk of infections following surgery. Unfortunately, this means diabetic patients who are interested in dental implants may not heal properly or be candidates for the procedure.
Is Your Diabetes under Control?
People who have been diagnosed with diabetes work hard to get it under control. Medication, diet, and exercise all help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall quality of life for people with diabetes. The process of getting this disease under control can be long, but the results are always worth it. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause symptoms such as:
- Infections throughout the body
- Frequent urination
- Chronic dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Sudden weight loss
- Kidney problems
- High blood pressure
- Pain
If you are experiencing these symptoms, talk to your general physician about how to manage your diabetes. Not only will this make you a candidate for dental implants, but it will also lower your risk of several overall health issues and complications.
How Dental Implants Benefit Diabetic Patients
Without proper dental function, chewing foods can become difficult. This can be a problem for diabetic patients who are trying to eat healthy foods. Damaged and missing teeth must be restored so that the patient can chew foods like raw vegetables, fruits, and meats that are essential to a healthy diet and controlling diabetes.
Dental implants are a functional and durable solution for people with missing teeth. The implants are inserted into the jawbone and permanently embedded through a natural process called osseointegration. Then, a crown, bridge, or denture is attached to the implant, completing the restoration and improving the patient’s dental function.
Success Rate of Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients
Ultimately, studies have shown that the dental implant survival rate for patients with well-controlled diabetes is just as high as that of people without diabetes. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes, however, are at greater risk of dental implant failure.
Dental implant placement should be delayed until patients have stabilized their insulin and blood sugar levels for a considerable amount of time. If dental implants are not an option, our Boston, MA, team of prosthodontists can offer another effective solution for replacing missing teeth.
Discover If Dental Implants Are Right For You
Patients with diabetes can greatly benefit from dental implants. With help from the skilled and experienced doctors at Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group in Boston, MA, you can achieve long-term success with dental implants. Call our friendly team today at (617) 582-2479 or message us online to schedule an initial consultation.