Can People With Diabetes Get Dental Implants?

Key takeaways

• People with diabetes can generally undergo dental implant procedures. However, the success rate of dental implants is lower in people with diabetes than those without diabetes.
• Effective management of diabetes and practicing excellent oral hygiene are essential for the success of dental implant procedures.
• Close collaboration with healthcare providers, including dentists and endocrinologists, is also important.

A dental implant is an artificial device placed in the jawbone to replace missing teeth. 

Surgeons insert screw-like structures, typically made of biocompatible metals like titanium, into the jawbone, acting as anchors for artificial teeth known as crowns. These implants are placed beneath the gum line to provide support for fixed or removable dental prosthetics.

Most people can get a dental implant. However, certain conditions, such as diabetes, can lower the success rate of this procedure and also increase the risk of complications like infection. 

If you have diabetes and are looking to get dental implants, you can speak with your healthcare provider about your plan to undergo the procedure. You will have to work closely with their dentists and diabetes specialists to ensure your diabetes is well-managed before getting implants. 

Impact of diabetes on oral health and dental implant treatment

Diabetes can profoundly affect oral well-being, presenting hurdles for successful dental implant procedures. Common complications include gum disease, dry mouth, and delayed wound healing, all of which can hinder the dental implantation process.

People with diabetes are more likely to experience gum disease, known as periodontal disease.

This can lead to inflammation and harm to the gums and supporting bone structure, which can adversely affect the stability and overall success rate of dental implants. 

Studies indicate that dental implants in individuals with diabetes are associated with a 77.7% higher risk of failure compared to those without diabetes. This is because diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal properly and increase the risk of complications such as infection or implant failure. 

Still, some studies indicate that implanting dental prosthetics remains a viable option for restoring oral function in individuals with prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, provided that suitable precautions are taken. 

This means that if proper measures are observed, there are no strong reasons to prohibit dental implant surgery in people with diabetes mellitus or prediabetes.

It may be best to let your dentist know about your diabetes so they can be extra careful to watch how well the implant heals, as well as give you tips on how to take good care of your teeth before and after the implant surgery to lower the chances of problems. 

Discussing openly with doctors is key to ensuring everything goes well.

Risks to be aware of when getting dental implants with diabetes

When considering dental implants, individuals with diabetes should be aware of several potential risks due to the unique challenges their condition presents. These risks include:

1. Delayed healing

Diabetes can hinder the body's natural healing process, potentially leading to slower healing following implant surgery. This delay raises the likelihood of complications such as infections or even implant failure.

2. Increased risk of infection

Inadequately managed diabetes can compromise the immune system, weakening it and making you more vulnerable to infections.

After implant surgery, there's an elevated risk of developing infections around the implant area, posing a threat to the procedure's success.

3. Gum disease

Diabetes is linked with an increased likelihood of gum disease, known as periodontitis, which can compromise the stability of dental implants. Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene will help reduce the risk of gum disease and its potential impact on the success of implant treatment.

4. Bone density issues

Diabetes has the potential to impact bone density, which may result in reduced bone volume in the jaw. Satisfactory bone density is crucial for the effective integration of dental implants.

5. Blood sugar fluctuations

Changes in blood sugar levels can influence how the body reacts to dental implant surgery and the healing process. This is why maintaining stable and normal blood sugar levels both before and following implantation can help maximize the effectiveness of the healing process.

6. Implant failure

Research indicates that people with diabetes may face an increased likelihood of experiencing implant failure compared to those without the condition.

But, you can reduce the risk of your implant failing by effectively managing your diabetes and following pre- and post-operative care guidelines closely.

How to minimize risks for people with diabetes who want to undergo dental implants

Here are ways to reduce the risks of complications or dental implant failure if you have diabetes.

• Maintaining stable blood sugar levels by collaborating with healthcare providers, adhering to medication regimens, and following dietary recommendations to keep blood glucose within target ranges is essential.
• To avoid gum problems and infections, keep your mouth super clean: brush and floss every day, use special mouthwashes, and see your dentist for check-ups regularly.
• Before getting implant surgery, have a detailed check-up with your dentist and doctor. They'll make sure your mouth and overall health are in good shape for the implants by dealing with any existing oral problems, like gum disease.
• Stay in touch with your dentists, diabetes doctors, and other healthcare providers who are helping you. They'll give you personalized advice and help you manage your diabetes well for the best results.
• Follow the instructions your dental team gives you before and after your implant surgery very carefully. They might tell you about things like taking medicine, watching what you eat, and caring for your wounds to help you heal well and avoid problems.
• Sometimes, individuals with diabetes may need extra treatments like bone grafting before dental implant placement due to potential bone density issues. Talk to your dentist about these options.

How to know your diabetes is under control

Understanding if your diabetes is properly controlled is crucial for reducing infection and implant failure risks. Signs of effective diabetes management include:

• Stable blood sugar levels within target ranges (typically between 70 and 100 mg/dL before meals)
• Healthy HbA1c levels (below 5.7%) as advised by healthcare providers
• Maintained weight within a healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9 kg/m)
• Regular medical check-ups for diabetes management
• Minimal diabetes-related complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy
• Adherence to treatment plan, including medications and lifestyle recommendations
• Awareness of symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels

By monitoring these signs, individuals can reduce the risk of complications and optimize outcomes, including the success of dental implant procedures.

Alternatives to dental implants if you have diabetes

If you have diabetes and your healthcare provider says you may not be a suitable candidate for dental implants, there are several alternative options to consider:

Dentures:

Removable dentures offer a feasible solution for replacing lost teeth in individuals managing diabetes. They entail less invasive procedures compared to implants while still offering functional and aesthetic advantages.

Dental bridges:

Bridges serve as permanent prosthetic appliances that fill the gap of missing teeth by attaching to nearby natural teeth or dental implants. They present a viable option for those who are ineligible for implant surgery.

Mini dental implants:

Mini dental implants, resembling smaller variants of standard ones, could be considered for people with diabetes facing challenges like reduced bone density, where traditional implants pose risks.

Resin-bonded bridges:

Commonly called Maryland bridges, resin-bonded bridges offer a less invasive solution for replacing lost teeth.

They involve attaching a false tooth to neighboring natural teeth with resin, presenting a minimally invasive alternative to traditional bridges and implants.

Partial dentures:

Partial dentures are an option for individuals with some missing teeth. They are removable and can be customized to fit comfortably in the mouth.

Orthodontic treatment:

Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners could sometimes treat misaligned teeth and enhance overall dental health, eliminating the necessity for implants in certain instances.

Individuals with diabetes need to discuss their options with their dentist or prosthodontist, who can recommend the most suitable alternative based on their specific oral health needs and overall health status.

Final words

Individuals with diabetes can typically receive dental implants, but effective control of their blood sugar levels before the procedure is paramount. 

Close collaboration with healthcare professionals to control blood sugar levels, manage oral health concerns, and adhere to recommended care protocols is essential to ensuring the success of dental implant procedures in diabetic patients.