A Guide for Diabetes Patients Who Wants to Get Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth, you may be looking to improve the quality of your smile with dental implants. But if you have one or more missing teeth and Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, you may also be wondering if dental implants are a healthy option for your smile improvement. According to a study referenced by the American Society of Implant and Reconstructive Dentistry (ASIRD) on the connection between dental implants and diabetes, the answer is “yes.” Still, your diabetes must be under control for the procedure.
Every patient will be unique regarding their candidacy for dental implants — even if they have diabetes. Our dentist in Great Neck, NY, will spend time with you during your pre-treatment consultation and medical intake to determine the best tooth replacement protocol. For example, our dentists will ask about your lifestyle habits since dental implants require patient discipline in adhering to healing protocols.
We’ll also look at whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes since healing rates vary between the two types. The broad answer to your candidacy for a dental implant is that you are most likely a candidate for the procedure if you’ve been committed to keeping your diabetes under control.
If you’d like to get more answers about the link between diabetes and dental implants, please schedule a consultation with Great Neck Dental Associates in Great Neck, NY.
Dental Implants Can Help with a Diabetic-Healthy Diet
The ASIRD also reported that patients who received dental implants were more likely to adhere to a diabetic-healthy diet. Dental implants permanently affix to a patient’s jawbone, which means they replicate the same bite force as natural teeth. By contrast, diabetic patients who wear dentures experience movement of the dental appliance, preventing them from comfortably eating high-fiber vegetables required for their diet. Also, ill-fitting dentures can prompt sore gums, which creates another obstacle to healthy eating. When your gums are swollen or sore, you are more apt to eat soft processed foods. These are not only higher in carbohydrates, but eating them makes it more difficult to keep blood sugar levels where they need to be.
Dental Implants Can Help Reduce the Occurrence of Dental Infections
Another benefit of dental implants versus dentures for patients with diabetes is the reduced risk of infection caused by ill-fitting dentures. Many patients who experience red or swollen gums while wearing dentures may dismiss the symptoms as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. The concern with that thinking is that red and swollen gums are often a sign of an infection. Also, once you’ve received your dental implant, you’ll find that you can treat the prosthetic tooth like a natural tooth. You’ll be able to brush and floss between your implants with ease which further helps to reduce your risk of infection. And even though you’ll still need to visit your dentist for exams and cleanings, you’ll enjoy increased peace of mind between those visits.
Receive a Personalized Treatment Plan
If you’ve been wondering about which tooth replacement option is suitable for you and your health concerns, our dentists and their teams can design a treatment plan specific to your needs. Our offices use state-of-the-art technology to ensure optimal outcomes during every procedure. Our dentists use computerized tomography (CT) to perform a scan of your mouth with a scan prosthesis in place for accurate placement of your dental implant. This 3-D visual also helps you understand what needs to be done in the procedure to understand your treatment plan better.
We’ll also present you with a timeline of your treatment. In advance, it lets you know about future appointments to plan your schedule with more convenience. If you want to fast-track your tooth replacement, ask us about All-on-4 dental implants, which you can often complete in several hours instead of several months.