Dental implants have become the most reliable and successful teeth replacement system available to patients because of the immense benefits it can offer its patients. Oral health is so important in our daily lives because it can affect our whole bodies. Many illness have been attributed to poor oral hygiene, but has also exacerbated illnesses. For diabetics, oral health is difficult to maintain because of their condition. Diabetics are at a higher risk for developing infections, which can make dental implant treatment more complicated than it would be on a non-diabetic patient. However, a new study shows that diabetics can successfully osseointegrate dental implants into their oral anatomy regardless of blood sugar control.
The Scoop
Diabetes affects bone formation, increases the risk for infections, compromises the healing of wounds, and poses a risk for developing comorbidities (developing two chronic diseases). Past research suggested that diabetics who lacked good blood sugar could not heal dental implants. According to Dr. Thomas Oates Jr., Dental implants can successfully fuse into the jawbone of diabetic patients. In an article issued in the Journal for the American Dental Association, he states that “we failed to identify any association between elevated blood sugar and implant failure complications”. In his one year study, he examined 19 patients with dental implants who had diabetes. None of his patients showed any inclinations to failure and were able to heal their dental implants. Dr. Oates suggests that previous studies failed to examine their subjects in a sufficient amount of time, nor did they provide a comparison between non diabetic and diabetic patients healing differences.
Dental implants can provide diabetics with a new hope in restoring oral health which can help them mitigate additional health complications. Dr. Oates claims that implant therapy may be the best solution for diabetics in controlling their glycemic or blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels in diabetics are very important because if its uncontrolled, health issues with your kidneys, heart, mouth, foot nerves, and eyes, can occur.
- Kidneys- Diabetics are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease or nephropathy. High blood sugar levels can damage tiny blood vessels in yuor kidneys.
- Heart- The leading cause of death among diabetic patients is cardiovascular disease.
- Mouth- Your gums and teeth are more prone to bacterial infections and gum disease than someone without diabetes. In-office visits are good in helping mitigate the risk of gum disease that could lead to tooth loss and a weak jawbone.
- Eyes- High blood sugar levels can lead to damaging of blood vessels in the eyes and can also lead to the re-growth of blood vessels that are not as strong as the originalt. Blindness is more common in diabetic patients under 65.
- Nerves- Diabetics with high blood sugar levels will develop circulation issues and infections.
Dr. Oates teaches periodontics at the University of Texas Health and Science Center San Antonio and has devoted his area of study in implantology in relation to diabetics. His findings have opened the gate for improved health for diabetics and better oral appearance.
Contact Drs. Snider and Marr at Lake Country Dental in Ft. Worth, TX
Dental implants can offer a restoration of oral health and oral function, allowing patients to have to freedoms of eating a wide variety of foods and being able to speak with people without worrying about if they are thinking about the condition of your teeth. Diabetic patients can now enjoy the benefits of dental implants and in the process, prevent their blood sugar levels from rising and causing damage to their body. If you have any further questions regarding dental implants or would like to discuss your candidacy, then please contact us to schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation today! We Look forward to hearing from you soon!