Can A Type 2 Diabetic Patient Get Dental Implants?

There are more than 26 million diabetics in the United States alone. Patients with diabetes need to be aware of the potential risks involved with undergoing surgeries or medical procedures.

For most patients, implants and other dental procedures pose little risk. But patients with diabetes can face challenges related to complications following surgery.

Challenges for Diabetic Patients

Diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from gum disease, especially if their diabetes isn’t under control. Advanced gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and weakens bone.

Implants would not be recommended until the gum disease has been treated and reserved.

Diabetes damages the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Patients with diabetes usually take longer to recover from surgery and can experience longer recovery periods. This impaired healing process presents a greater risk of infection. Postprocedural infections are treatable, but they can lead to implant failure in some cases.

Who Qualifies for Dental Implants?

Potential challenges and complications don’t always disqualify diabetics from receiving implants. Their dentist will determine if they’re a good candidate for the procedure.
The following are factors your dentist will take into consideration during the assessment process:

1. 1. Diabetes TypeType 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. It is also easier to treat and control compared to type 1 diabetes. Because of this, patients who have type 2 diabetes are generally considered better candidates for implants than those with type 1 diabetes.
   2. Medical HistoryYour surgeon will take into account your medical history, especially focusing on past surgeries.If you have successfully healed from surgeries performed in the past, then you will make for a better candidate.
   3. Length of Time With DiabetesThe dentist will consider how long you’ve been affected by diabetes and how well its symptoms are under control.Patients who have been diagnosed only recently will likely have little trouble with dental implants. For a diabetic who has a long history of the disease and has struggled to manage its symptoms, the dentist may hesitate to recommend dental surgery.

Good News for Diabetic Patients

The good news is that having diabetes does not disqualify you from having dental implants. Studies have shown the success rate for dental implants in diabetics is over 90 percent.

Consulting with your dentist is the first step towards achieving a beautiful and healthy smile with dental implants. Knowing the risk factors for diabetic patients and understanding how to prevent them will ensure a successful treatment with lasting results.