Effects of Diabetes on Dental Implants Treatment

The most common question that comes to mind for diabetics is: Can I get dental implants if I have diabetes?

Yes, you can, but there are several factors to consider because diabetes significantly impacts oral health and the success rate of dental implant treatment. Dental implants are a great option whether you want to treat tooth loss or restore your smile. However, before proceeding, it’s important to understand how diabetes can affect dental implant treatment.

How Does Diabetes Impact Oral Health?

One major reason for poor oral health in diabetics is the body’s chemical reactions. Increased glucose levels in saliva can lead to faster bacterial buildup. Since the body struggles to regulate glucose levels, a high concentration of glucose may form in bodily fluids. In diabetic patients, glucose can bond with the body’s macromolecules, forming advanced glycosylation end products. These can lead to complications like retinopathies, nephropathies, and neuropathies, which affect the kidneys, retina, and nervous system—and ultimately influence oral health as well.

Dental Implant Treatment: The Impact of Diabetes

A dental implant is an oral surgery, and if diabetes is not controlled, it can alter the pH level of saliva. This is why dentists may delay the procedure to avoid complications, such as infections after surgery.

Some common dental problems diabetics face include dry mouth, gum disease, thrush (fungal infection), inflammation in the mouth, periodontitis, slow healing, and tooth decay. People with uncontrolled diabetes often take longer to heal, which can complicate the dental implant process. Statistics show that nearly 22% of the population suffers from diabetes, and according to the American Academy of Periodontology, 50% of diabetics under age 35 have periodontal disease, while 80% of those aged 45 to 54 also suffer from dental issues.

Bone strength is another key factor in implant success. Dentists often use advanced techniques like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to assess bone density. Diabetes can weaken bone, and poor density can reduce the chances of successful implants.

Patients with Type 1 diabetes have a higher risk of dental implant failure due to insulin depletion. This also increases the risk of peri-implantitis, which is an inflammation around the implants caused by a host response to local factors like dental plaque. If you are dealing with these issues, consult your dentist before proceeding with implant treatment.

Factors Influencing Implant Success

  • Glycemic Control: If blood sugar levels are below 7% HbA1c, the chances of successful osseointegration (bone and implant fusion) are higher. Proper blood sugar monitoring is crucial to reducing complications.
  • Type of Implant Material: The type of implant material also impacts its longevity. Consider using larger-dimension, bioactive surface-coated implants for better stability and reduced infection risk.
  • Bone Remodeling: Over time, bone formation and healing can be delayed in diabetics. Maintaining good bone remodeling can be supported through medication, diet, good oral hygiene, and adequate vitamin D intake.

Primary Strategies for Successful Dental Implants

A retrospective study found that 11% of people experienced dental implant failure within the first year, and 85% noticed issues within 6.5 years. This isn’t just due to diabetes but also poor oral hygiene. Diabetics are more susceptible to infections than non-diabetics. Below are some strategies to follow after oral surgery.

Controlling Blood Sugar

Diabetes damages blood vessels, restricting proper oxygen flow and weakening the immune system, which doubles the recovery time. To speed up recovery, follow your dentist’s instructions and focus on controlling your blood sugar. Brush your teeth twice daily, drink plenty of water, and consider working with an endocrinologist to manage your glucose levels.

If you have been diabetic for a long time and have neglected your dental health, understand that your problems will only worsen. High glucose levels slow down the natural healing process, leading to bone loss and gum recession over time.

Role of HbA1c in Treatment

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels play a crucial role in the success of dental implants. According to the German Society of Dentistry and Oral Medicine (DGZM) and the German Association of Implantology (DGI), HbA1c levels between 6.1% and 8% are associated with a 100% success rate for dental implants. Diabetics need to maintain reasonable levels, as anything below 6% or above 10% can negatively impact treatment. Maintaining a healthy HbA1c level through proper diet and monitoring is essential.

Manage Your Diet

Diabetics should avoid sugary foods and adopt healthier dietary habits. Incorporate soups, soft foods, smoothies, applesauce, fruits, and vegetables into your diet, but be mindful of which fruits and vegetables you eat. Avoid dairy products, as they can harbor bacteria and cause inflammation. Dairy items like yogurt, cheese, milk, and curd can irritate the implant site and slow healing.

Ensuring Oral Health

Diabetic patients can be prescribed prophylactic antibiotics along with chlorhexidine mouthwash to improve oral health. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, floss daily, use antibacterial mouthwash, and visit your dentist regularly to ensure the longevity of your dental implants.

Conclusion

For diabetics, undergoing dental implant treatment can be challenging due to the factors mentioned above. However, maintaining good oral health and following strict hygiene practices can significantly improve your chances of success. Consulting with your dentist to understand the condition of your mouth and how effective dental implants will be for you is essential.

Elite Dental is here to help. They understand that every patient’s situation is unique, and their customized treatments will give you the best possible results. Don’t wait—contact Elite Dental today to schedule your appointment and start your journey toward a healthier smile!

Contacts

Contact Details

ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201

(818) 649-1772

Post Address: 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday:      8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Saturday:                 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sunday:                    Closed

Contact Details

ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201

(818) 649-1772

Post Address: 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201

Office Hours:

Monday-Friday:      8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Saturday:                 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Sunday:                    Closed