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People with diabetes face more oral health issues than people without diabetes. The disease can lead to periodontal disease, dry mouth, and problems with infections. Those who have uncontrolled diabetes may be at a higher risk of implant failure. However, those who control their diabetes with medication, diet, and exercise can be good candidates for dental implants.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the way the body uses glucose, which is a type of sugar that provides energy for the cells in the body. People with diabetes have too much glucose in the blood because their body either doesn’t make enough insulin to break down the sugar or their cells are sensitive to the effects of insulin. This can cause major health complications if not controlled.

The most common type of diabetes is type 2. However, some people have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells in our body use and store glucose. Without proper amounts of insulin, a person living with type 1 diabetes will have high blood sugar and excessive amounts of glucose in their blood.

Both types of diabetes can be controlled by eating a healthy diet, staying active, taking medications as prescribed, and maintaining regular visits to the dentist. 

Am I Eligible For Dental Implants If I Have Diabetes?

Just like many other diseases and conditions, if you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are interested in getting implants, it’s imperative you talk to your periodontist about the best way to proceed with treatment. First and foremost, it’s important for your practitioner to examine the health of your teeth and mouth. They will want to make sure you have healthy gums and enough bone in your jaw for a dental implant to be secure and successful. If these issues are present, then the process can continue as planned. However, if your mouth is not ready, your doctor might recommend waiting with implants until you receive treatment for the condition to prevent complications in the future. If this is the case, then be sure to ask your dentist for treatment options that are appropriate for your condition moving forward. This might involve something like dentures, which you can learn more about here.

Additionally, if you have diabetes, it’s important to remember that poor blood sugar control can slow healing and increase your chances of infection. Because of this, it’s essential that you make sure you’re following your doctor’s recommendations for maintaining good overall health and wellness before moving forward with any dental treatments that might impact your oral health. This includes seeing your primary care doctor for regular checkups and keeping your blood sugar under tight control by scheduling regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your levels.

If you would like more information on obtaining dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.