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Man with Diabetes Considering Dental Implants in 33026

Diabetes and Dental Implants: What You Need to Know

December 10, 2024

Dental implants are a common and efficient way to replace lost teeth, providing a long-lasting and realistic substitute for bridges or dentures. Diabetes, however, may impact the success of your dental implants in 33026.

While proper management and guidance from your dentist are key to reducing the risk, you must understand how diabetes affects implant placement before starting the procedure. Here is what you need to know before pursuing dental implants as a person with diabetes.

Woman with Diabetes Considering Dental Implants in 33026

Things You Should Know If You Have Diabetes and Want Dental Implants

1. Pre-Surgery Evaluation is Crucial

It is crucial to have a comprehensive assessment of your general health and diabetes condition before having dental implant surgery. To ensure your diabetes is under control, your dentist will examine your oral health, review your medical history, and probably work with your primary care physician or endocrinologist.

Since adequate bone mass is essential for the successful placement of dental implants, imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans may also be used to evaluate bone density.

2. Blood Sugar Control is Key

Keeping your blood sugar under control is crucial for a successful dental implant procedure in patients with diabetes. Elevated blood sugar can hinder the healing process and raise the risk of infection, impacting how well the implant integrates with the bone.

Before getting any dental work done, you should make sure your diabetes is properly controlled in close consultation with your doctor.

3. The Healing Process May Be Slower

Diabetes can slow down the healing process, which is especially crucial following dental implant surgery. Implants must osseointegrate—or fuse with the bone—to form. This process could take longer or not work at all if your blood sugar is not under control.

4. Increased Potential for Infection

Diabetes increases the risk of infection, which puts the surgical site and the vicinity of the implant at risk. To reduce the risk of infection following surgery, your dentist will take precautions and may prescribe antibiotics.

Good oral hygiene (including brushing after every meal and flossing daily) is also essential for preventing infection around the implant post.

5. Follow-Up Appointments Are Vital

Follow-up appointments with your dentist are necessary after receiving dental implants to track the healing process and ensure the implant is integrating correctly. These visits are even more important to ensure there are no complications like infection or implant failure because diabetes can make it more difficult for your body to heal.

Examine Other Options If Implants Are Not Suitable

In some cases, dental implants may not be suitable. Your dentist may recommend alternative dental restorations, such as bridges or dentures, if bone loss or poor healing is a concern.

These dental restorations can still allow you to recover lost functionality in your mouth, prevent surrounding teeth from shifting, and help you feel proud of your full smile again. Don’t let diabetes keep you from getting restorative dentistry!

Illustration of Dental Implants in 33026

Restore Your Smile with Dental Implants in 33026

Although dental implants can be an excellent dental restoration, the success of the procedure depends on the patient’s diabetes. Controlling your blood sugar, practicing good oral hygiene, and collaborating closely with your dentist and healthcare provider can reduce risks and encourage a speedy recovery.

At Village Square Dental, we want everyone to enjoy the benefits of dental implants without putting their health at risk. If you’d like a dental professional to assess whether dental implants are an option for you, reach out!

Located in the new Village Square Publix shopping center