Dental Implants and Diabetes: Is It Safe?  

Dental implants are the tooth replacement option of choice by doctors and patients alike for many reasons. For one, they have a 98% success rate. This means that complications are rare. Dental implants also offer durable, long-lasting, and lifelike results. Even so, not everyone is a great candidate for dental implants. Certain medical conditions may keep this treatment from being the best option for you, including diabetes. Continue reading to learn about the link between implants and diabetes as well as ways to lower your chances of experiencing implant failure. 

How Diabetes and Implant Failure Are Related 

One reason why getting dental implants with diabetes isn’t the best idea is because diabetics are more prone to infections. Because of this, those with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Peri-implantitis. This is an infection of the gums that’s similar to gum disease and is a common cause of implant failure.

People with diabetes also tend to heal slower than those without it. This can get in the way of osseointegration, which is the process by which your implants fuse with your jawbone for the next four to six months after your procedure. Osseointegration may take longer for diabetics, which means that they are more likely to run into complications.  

5 Ways to Lessen Your Risk of Implant Failure  

Dental implant failure isn’t inevitable for diabetics. There are a few things that people with diabetes can do to lower their chances of experiencing issues during the healing process, such as:

• Manage your condition – Keeping up with your diabetes will make you less likely to experience dental implant failure. 
• Speak with your doctor first – Speaking with your dentist about your diabetes before you have implants placed is crucial. This will allow them to take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re safe during the procedure, such as keeping your blood sugar stable to reduce your chances of implant failure. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene – Brushing your teeth twice per day and flossing every night will help prevent oral health issues that can cause implant failure, such as gum disease.
• Eat well – Consume sugar in moderation so you’re less likely to develop tooth decay. This will also help stabilize your blood sugar levels. Increase your intake of foods that are good for your teeth, such as fish, lean meats, fresh fruits and veggies, and dairy products. 
• See your dentist regularly – Schedule dental visits every six months for checkups and cleanings. This will give your dentist a chance to make sure that your implants are healing properly and to make adjustments to your treatment plan or oral hygiene routine if necessary.

If you’re a diabetic and want to have dental implants placed, let your dentist know about your condition. They will work with you to ensure that your diabetes doesn’t prevent you from achieving a full, healthy beam!

About the Practice 

Dr. Alexandra Galante, Dr. Ann Marie Mancini, and Dr. Luciano Marini head the team at Waterbury Smiles. They make patient care their top priority and go out of their way to make patients feel safe and comfortable throughout their treatments. If you are missing one or more teeth, they can speak with you about options like dental implants. They can also work with you to prevent complications while you heal if you have diabetes. To learn more about Waterbury Smiles or to set up an appointment, call them at (203) 575-9097 or visit their website.