Diabetes And Dental Implants: Is The Process Safe?

Dental implants are a great tool for anyone that has significant tooth damage or loss. However, there are risks involved with this process, especially for people who have been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with either condition and are considering implants, learn about what might be ahead.

Wound Healing

A significant concern for diabetic patients is wound healing is that it is typically a slow process. In some cases, wounds may not heal correctly and/or not heal at all. This issue can raise concerns when it comes to dental implants because if the healing process is delayed or does not occur, the osseointegration will not occur. The osseointegration is the fusing of sorts between the bone and the implant. Without this fusion, the implant will fail.

Gum Disease

People with diabetes are often at an elevated risk for gum disease, especially if they are not properly controlling their condition. Healthy gums are critical for successful implant installation. When a person has gum disease, their gums start to erode. As the area wears away, there is no room left to properly secure the implant. If the implant is installed before the gum disease progresses, it might fall out as a result.

Infection

If you have diabetes, you might notice that your mouth is dry sometimes. If so, it's not a coincidence. Dry mouth is a common issue for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. The problem with dry mouth is that it increases your risk for infection because there isn't an active amount of saliva in the mouth to wash harmful bacteria away. Consequently, harmful bacteria can surround the implant site, especially around the time its installed, and cause an infection. 

Disease Management

Yes, some risks come with implants if you have diabetes, but it's not to say that you can't have this enhancement performed. Providers will typically examine how well you have your disease managed to determine the level of risks you face. People that do well to control their blood sugar levels, take medication, and lead an otherwise healthy lifestyle typically have fewer risks and more success with implants. 

If you have diabetes and plan to have dental implants installed, it's best to speak with your oral health provider. He or she can answer questions specific to your situation and give you the details you need on how to move forward with your decision.