
One of the best and most successful tooth replacement choices available is the dental implant. No other restorative method is as similar in both form and function to a real tooth as an implant; and with a success rate of 95-plus percent after ten years, it’s one of the most durable.
But there can be extenuating circumstances that make obtaining an implant difficult or sometimes impossible. One possible problematic situation is the systemic disease diabetes.
Diabetes is a hormonal condition in which the body is unable to sufficiently regulate the amount of glucose (a basic sugar that provides energy to the body’s cells) within the blood stream. Normally, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin to reduce excess glucose. But diabetes interferes with this insulin production: if you have Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas has stopped producing insulin altogether; if you have the more common Type 2, the body doesn’t produce adequate insulin or it doesn’t respond sufficiently to the insulin produced.
Over time diabetes can affect other areas of health, especially wound healing. Because the condition gradually causes blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, the normal inflammatory response to disease or trauma can become prolonged. This in turn slows the rate of wound healing.
Slow wound healing can have a bearing on the recovery period just after implant surgery, especially the necessary integration process that takes place between the bone and the titanium metal implant that provides its signature strength. If that process is impeded by slow wound healing caused by diabetes, the risk increases dramatically for implant failure.
That’s the worst case scenario if you have diabetes, but only if your condition is out of control. If, however, you have your blood sugar levels well regulated through medication, diet and exercise, then your chances for implant success could easily be on par with someone without diabetes.
So if you’re diabetic and are considering dental implants for missing teeth, it’s important to discuss the possibility of obtaining them with both your dentist and the physician caring for your diabetes. With your overall healthcare team working together, there’s no reason why diabetes should stop you from enjoying this premiere restoration for missing teeth.
If you would like more information on obtaining dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants & Diabetes.”
Comments:
Find Us
American Dental Professionals
2675 N Mayfair Rd, # 650
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
(414) 257 - 1230
Request Appointment
Our office has flexible hours to fit your busy schedule
Patient Eductation

Archive:
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
Tags
- Welcome (1)
- oral health (15)
- celebrity smiles (61)
- oral hygiene (13)
- blood pressure medication (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (12)
- orthodontics (8)
- tads (1)
- crown (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- dental implants (7)
- periodontal plastic surgery (1)
- bonding (2)
- clear aligners (2)
- braces (8)
- dental injury (5)
- mouthguards (3)
- bad breath (2)
- gum surgery (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- financing (1)
- root canal (1)
- geographic tongue (2)
- bridge (1)
- orthodontic treatment (11)
- adult orthodontics (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- oral surgery (3)
- headgear (1)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- cosmetic gum surgery (1)
- dental exam (1)
- nutrition (3)
- diabetes (3)
- periodontal (gum) disease (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- pregnancy (2)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- sealants (1)
- tooth decay (3)
- chipped teeth (2)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- teeth whitening (2)
- teeth wear (1)
- gum disease (11)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- dentures (2)
- pediatric care (1)
- infection control (1)
- frenectomy (1)
- root canal treatment (2)
- crowns (5)
- thumb sucking (2)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- removable dentures (1)
- periodontal disease (2)
- dentistry (1)
- seniors (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- mouth rash (1)
- retainers (2)
- pediatric dentistry (2)
- mouth sores (1)
- teething (2)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental implant bridge (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- teeth grinding (2)
- bruxism (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- tooth pain (2)
- bone grafting (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- retainer (2)
- dental care (2)
- gum recession (1)
- artificial sweeteners (1)
- laser dentistry (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- x-rays (1)
- lingual braces (1)
- crown lengthening (1)