Are dental implants a safe choice for diabetics? That depends on several factors that will need to be discussed and evaluated by Dr. Konig prior to their placement. If you are missing one or more teeth, we encourage you to get in touch with our office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation where Dr. Konig can assess the health and structure of your gums and jawbone to determine if dental implants or another option will be best for your needs.
Diabetic Control and Gum Disease
One of the primary concerns regarding diabetes and dental implants is gum disease. While people with diabetes who control their blood sugar are not at heightened risk for gum disease, men and women who fail to properly control their blood sugar levels are. Poor diabetic control can result in the rapid advancement of gum disease due to the body’s inability to properly fight off infection. Periodontitis, the most advanced form of gum disease, will complicate the placement of dental implants and may even encourage infection after they have been placed. Infection can lead to implant failure.
Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth so long as diseases or traumatic events that would cause tooth loss are avoided. Infection will interfere with the implant securing into the jaw and may necessitate additional treatments.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and may be easier to control than type 2, which is almost exclusively linked to lifestyle choices. People who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes may be better candidates for dental implants because their blood sugar is easier to control. This does not mean that people with type 2 diabetes cannot have dental implants, but there may be heightened risks for implant failure in these patients. In addition, patients who have only recently been diagnosed may be better candidates for dental implants than those who have been dealing with the disease for several years.
During your initial consultation, we will carefully evaluate your medical history and discuss all appropriate options to help ensure you are making the best choice for your body.
What’s Right for You?
There are a number of tooth replacement options, including dental bridges and dentures, that may be suitable for people who are not good implant candidates. If you are missing one or more teeth, Dr. Konig welcomes an opportunity to meet with you, assess your teeth and gums, review your medical history, and guide you towards the best option for your needs.
Call Dr. Ronald W. Konig at 713-668-2289 to schedule a consultation at our Houston office today.
