Can I Get Dental Implants If I’m Diabetic?

Dental implants are often considered the absolute gold standard of tooth restoration; the ingenious posts, once surgically embedded into the jawbone, fuse with it to provide unparalleled support and stability for the replacement teeth. However, if you’re diabetic, you might be wondering if your condition could potentially influence your candidacy for receiving dental implants. Here’s what your dentist wants you to know about the link between dental implants and diabetes, along with some ways you can increase your chances of successful treatment.

Can Diabetic Patients Receive Dental Implants?

Simply put, dental implants are not entirely off-limits for patients with diabetes, and patients who can successfully manage their diabetes tend to do well with implant surgeries. However, if you suffer from the condition, then you should know you’re at a greater risk of implant failure compared to patients who aren’t diabetic.

This is mostly due to the fact that patients suffering from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes might take longer to heal the surgical wounds at the implant sites. Diabetes can also negatively impact osseointegration, the union between bone and implant post. Not to mention, diabetic patients are at a greater risk of infection—and since these infections often attack the gums, the risk of implant failure increases tenfold! It’s also worth noting that if your condition isn’t under control, you shouldn’t opt for the procedure at all.

Tips for Ensuring Dental Implant Success

Fortunately, there are several steps patients with diabetes can take to improve their odds of successful dental implant treatment. It will take some work and diligence, coupled with the help of a dentist and doctor, but it is possible! Consider the following tips:

• Manage Your Diabetes – If you’re considering implants, you should work with your doctor and seek advice on diet and exercise habits. Also, be sure you’re taking your prescribed medications.
• Maintain Your Oral Hygiene – Brush your teeth twice a day and regularly floss and rinse; believe it or not, diabetics are more prone to oral health issues including tooth decay, dry mouth and gum disease.
• Treat Gum Disease – If you have gum disease, it’s imperative that you visit your dentist for treatment before it has the chance to escalate and cause potentially irreversible damage that’ll negatively impact your implant eligibility.
• Attend Your Routine Dental Checkups – Regular dental checkups are important for all patients, whether they have diabetes or not. However, since diabetics are more prone to health problems, routine preventive care is instrumental in ensuring a healthy mouth that is capable of hosting implants.

If you have diabetes but are still interested in dental implants, don’t fret; if you’re able to get your condition under control and maintain a healthy mouth, they are still a viable option that can rebuild your smile and greatly enhance your quality of life!

About Ralph Avenue Dental Care

Here at Ralph Avenue Dental Care, we’re thrilled to provide an exceptional level of care for patients and families in the Brooklyn area! We’re happy to house a team of six skilled specialists and offer a wide range of comprehensive services including dental implants. If you have any questions about implants or would like to schedule a consultation to see if they’re a viable solution for you, feel free to contact us today for further assistance. Telephone: (718) 531-0300.