Can a Type 2 Diabetic Patient Get Dental Implants?

Diabetes is an increasingly rising concern among millions of adults and children across the globe. Research suggests that there are more than 26 million Americans with diabetes. If you have diabetes, your doctor might have warned you about the potential risks of undergoing invasive procedures like surgeries.

Good oral care and treatment are essential for maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and mouth for your oral health. Poor oral hygiene and health can lead to serious oral issues, negatively impacting your overall well-being. For instance, poor oral health can worsen or increases your risk of health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

If you’ve lost a tooth, getting a dental implant is a popular treatment to restore your oral function, appearance, and health. Good oral health will positively impact your overall well-being and help you keep your diabetes under control. However, one question remains – do patients with diabetes (type 1 and 2) make good candidates for dental implants?

Being diabetic puts you at a higher risk of dental implant failure than someone who doesn’t have diabetes. However, it doesn’t automatically roll you out from the treatment. Keeping your diabetes under control and maintaining good oral hygiene and habits improves your chance of qualifying for dental implant surgery. Contact our dentist in Weymouth, MA, for dental implants near you.

Diabetes and Dental Implant Surgery Complications

If you have diabetes, any surgical procedure comes with potential risks of infections and complications. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you’re at a higher risk of implant failure for several reasons.

For starters, diabetes affects your body’s natural healing ability. People with diabetes typically take longer to heal and recover from surgery and other invasive treatments. After dental implant surgery, patients with diabetes can have up to twice longer recovery times than patients without diabetes. This impaired healing process can affect osseointegration (bond formation around the implant) and lead to implant failure.

Similarly, the delayed healing process puts people with diabetes at a higher risk of post-surgical infections. It further delays the body’s ability to heal normally, leading to implant failure. If your implant fails, it needs removal through surgery, leading to further infections and longer recovery.

Can I Have Implants if I Have Type 2 Diabetes?

Being diabetic only increases your risk of implant failure. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t successfully get implants. The National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery study showed that patients with controlled diabetes who receive proper pre-and post-surgical care could have the same success with dental implants as those who don’t have diabetes.

If you have good general health and your diabetes is well, you have a better chance of qualifying for dental implants. Still, some sources suggest that diabetes doesn’t have a big impact on the success of implant surgery. Some patients with uncontrolled diabetes have undergone dental implant surgery without complications.

The only way to know whether you qualify for dental implants with diabetes is to schedule a consultation with your oral surgeon. They can design a plan to improve your chance of successful dental implant treatment. Contact our dentist for dental implants in Weymouth, MA?

The following tips can improve your chances of qualifying for a dental implant surgery:

• Keep your diabetes under control – Not only for dental implant surgery but keeping your diabetes under control is beneficial for your overall wellness. Eating diabetes-friendly food, taking medication, and exercising can help keep your blood sugar levels normal.
• Good oral hygiene and habits. Even without diabetes, poor oral hygiene can lead to implant surgery complications. Make sure to brush and floss regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
• Treat underlying oral issues. Oral issues like gum disease can disqualify you for dental implants and make it difficult to manage your diabetes. Seeking treatment for oral issues will keep your mouth healthy and improve your chances of qualifying for dental implants.
• Schedule frequent dental assessments. People with diabetes are more susceptible to oral issues like gum disease, dry mouth, and cavities. Regular dental cleaning and checkups will maintain a healthy and beautiful smile, leading to successful dental implant surgery.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you have diabetes and are interested in dental implants? Contact Weymouth Dental Associates to determine whether you’re eligible for dental implants.