Dental Implants and Diabetes
Until recently, dental implants and diabetes couldn't go together. Dental implantology was not recommended for those suffering from diabetes. Today, medicine has taken many steps forward. Even those suffering from diabetic disease can approach dental implants, albeit with some extra precautions.
This is extremely important when one thinks of the large number of diabetic patients in the world. According to estimates by the World Health Organization, it is expected to rise to 600 million by 2035.
The main problem for those suffering from diabetes and deciding to resort to implantology lies in a notoriously longer wound healing time. One of the most important characteristics of this pathology is precisely the difficult healing process with the consequent risk of incurring infections. The increase in blood sugar, in the case of implant surgery, can facilitate infections of the tissues adjacent to the implant and a delay in coagulation, with consequent bleeding.
Not only are implants safe for diabetic patients, they can improve health. In addition to helping to maintain a balanced diet in a simple way, the implants eliminate the inflammation, irritation and infections that are more common with dental prostheses. This minimizes the risk of dangerous periodontal diseases, as well as post-implantation infections and complications.
A diabetic person may require special care pre and post implantation. In order to minimize complications, recent studies show that dental implants are safe for people with controlled diabetes. Provided their overall health complies with the standard of health guidelines.
Protocol for implantology in patients with diabetes
To make dental implants and diabetes coexist, it is sufficient to follow a simple protocol. It starts with a scrupulous control of the glycemic indexes in the period immediately preceding the date of the operation. Another important point is the use of antibiotic therapy, the function of which is to prevent any infections contracted following the placement of the dental implant. It may also be useful to plan the surgery at a particular time of day, taking into account the changes in blood sugar, in order to avoid any complications. If you follow these simple precautions, diabetes is no longer a problem and you can safely return to smiling.
The Precautions
The failure rates of dental implantology that were encountered in the past in patients with diabetes were essentially due to the lack of control of the metabolic indices, first of all the glycaemia. In cases where the diabetic pathology is not properly monitored and countered with the help of a healthy diet or with the use of insulin, we speak of decompensated diabetes. The latter can in turn lead to a number of problems, such as the development of microbial infections and the lengthening of healing times, thus preventing the osseointegration process of the implant from taking place as correctly as possible. A final important precaution, which however concerns not only diabetics but all patients in general, is the use of top quality and hypoallergenic materials, including titanium screws. Finally, the implant surgery must take place in a sterile environment, in accordance with current hygiene regulations.
How Diabetes Affects the Chance of a Dental Implant
According to studies carried out on dental implants and diabetes, if the latter is well controlled, the implant has rejection rates and complications similar to a healthy person. This is great news for those suffering from diabetes and want a safe and longer-lasting alternative to dentures.
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can be more difficult to control. This means that the risk of implant failure is greater than in a patient with type 2 diabetes. This does not mean that they cannot have a dental implant. However, the dentist will need to be even more diligent in reviewing medical records, assessing general health and learning as much as possible from the patient's medical history.
In addition, for dental implants and diabetes, age may be more important than usual. This is because if you have had diabetes for several years, you are more prone to infections and slower healing processes. If you have diabetes and are interested in a dental implant it is best to do it as soon as possible and to speak honestly and openly with your dentist about your health and the state of your diabetes.
Is your diabetes under control?
Are dental implants and diabetes really a problem for the patient? Studies show that there are no particular risks or complications for people who have controlled diabetes. While for patients with uncontrolled diabetes there are higher rates of both post-procedure infections and implant failure. Dental implants are inserted directly into the gums and jaw bones and work because the body is able to heal and the implant is to become essentially part of the jawbone. This process of integrating with bone and gums is what makes implants so similar to real teeth and a more permanent solution than dentures or bridges.
Since the healing process may be slower for people with diabetes, for those without controlled diabetes it is even slower. Your dentist can help you by creating a plan to get your diabetes under control and make sure you are doing everything you can to prevent gum disease. After that, you can schedule a second appointment to check if your mouth is ready for the dental implant.
When is an implant contraindicated?
Your dentist may not be able to plan a dental implant when:
* There is pre-existing gum disease or periodontal disease
* Bone density is very low (although other options for a bone graft can be discussed)
* The patient seems reluctant or unable to deal with the post-implantation period in which special attention and care is needed for healing
* The patient is a smoker. Not only is healing more difficult for a smoker, but it can also cause the implant to fail. In most cases, the patient is required to stop smoking for the period necessary for recovery
* Oral cancer treatments and cures have been given or bisphosphonate-based drugs have been taken
* There is a condition or disease that impairs the ability to heal