Over 26 million people in the U.S. have diabetes. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 2 is the most common. Type 2 diabetes results when your body does not produce enough insulin, or does not respond effectively to the insulin it does produce. Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas stops producing insulin. Diabetes does not always produce symptoms, but when it does symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, hunger, and blurred vision. Over time, blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can lead to nerve damage, kidney disease, blindness, and gangrene. Gangrene in diabetic patients has caused the loss of toes, fingers, and even limbs; and sudden extreme changes in glucose levels may result in coma or death. So, is it safe to get dental implants if you’re diabetic?

How Diabetes Can Affect Implant Placement

Medication, exercise, and diet can help individuals control their diabetes. By keeping diabetes under control many of the effects of the disease can be avoided. In diabetic individuals, wounds tend to heal more slowly, and to be more prone to infection. Inflammation is the body’s first defense when healing, but in diabetics elevated blood sugar levels can lead to chronic inflammation which can result in tissue damage and other problems. These are some of the issue that diabetics face when considering an implant.

However, recent studies have shown that many diabetics can be good candidates for dental implants. In fact, implant success was above 95 percent in diabetics (the same as non-diabetics) regardless of blood glucose control.  Although, it was found that it took longer for the implants and bone to fuse together in patients with poor glucose control, which means special consideration might be required for those patients.

Looking For Answers?

If you’re looking for answers regarding your diabetes and implant placement, discuss the issue with Dr. Huffstutler by calling his Fort Worth, TX, office today at 817-918-3038. We also serve North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities.