Are you missing one or more of your teeth? If so, you’re probably considering getting dental implants—one of the best tooth replacement methods! While the results can provide the necessary support to preserve your dental health, you may have more difficulty with the procedure if you’re diabetic. Read on to learn how diabetes can risk dental implant failure and ways to ensure a successful treatment.
What Makes Diabetes Difficult for Dental Implants?
Whether you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, you are most likely at risk of dental implant failure. This is primarily due to the effect it has on your healing process. For dental implants to work properly, they first have to fuse to your jawbone through osseointegration—when the healthy bone grows over the metal posts. Diabetes can interrupt this recovery process and increase your chances of the implant becoming loose later on.
Additionally, diabetics are more susceptible to infections. One of the leading reasons for dental implant failures is peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition similar to gum disease. Once the infection surrounds the metal post, it can lead to failure or other complications to your dental health. For this reason, it’s best to consult your dentist about your situation, that way they know what to address first before proceeding with your treatment.
How Can You Ensure Successful Dental Implants?
Although diabetes can make getting dental implants challenging, there are certain ways to improve your chances of a successful procedure! These methods include:
- Maintain a balanced diet: Other than taking your prescribed medications, you should eat healthy meals and exercising regularly can help keep your diabetes under control.
- Keep a good dental hygiene routine: Since diabetics are more vulnerable to oral health issues like gum disease, dry mouth, and tooth decay, it’s vital that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily.
- Visit your dentist regularly: By getting routine dental checkups every six months, your dentist can help monitor your oral health, especially if you’re diabetic. They can also provide necessary treatments early on for developing issues, such as with gum disease.
Even if you have diabetes, you can always work with your dentist to create a plan for successful dental implants. Once your situation is under control, you’ll be one step closer to enjoying a fully restored smile!
About the Practice
At Gannett Drive Dental, patients can achieve straighter smiles with Invisalign clear aligners. Dr. Gagnon and our skilled team provide customized orthodontic plans designed to deliver lasting results. With personalized care and advanced technology, our practice helps patients transform their smiles comfortably and effectively.
Call us at (207) 253-5600 or request an appointment online.