Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients
Everything You Need to Know About Dental Implants for Diabetics
If you have one or more missing teeth or issues with your current dental prosthetics, dental implants may be an ideal solution for you. Dental implants are a practical, effective, and safe alternative to traditional tooth replacement methods, such as dentures, with a success rate exceeding 95%, according to five-year studies.
The popularity of dental implants has grown exponentially due to their numerous benefits:
- Enhanced stability, as they are anchored directly into the bone;
- Prevention of bone atrophy and minimized bone resorption, which can help maintain facial structure and prevent premature aging;
- Natural appearance and functionality;
- Improved overall health.
However, the decision to opt for dental implant treatment can sometimes be influenced by various factors, including the presence of systemic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
What Diabetics Should Know About Dental Implant Treatment
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce or properly use insulin. Consequently, a diabetic patient will have elevated blood glucose levels, which can lead to a range of health issues, including oral health complications.
A 2018 study on the relationship between tooth decay and diabetes found that people with diabetes are more prone to developing cavities. As a result, diabetics face an increased risk of tooth loss, especially if they do not maintain daily oral hygiene and have regular dental check-ups.
Are Dental Implants Recommended for Diabetics?
Many diabetic patients wonder if dental implants can restore their smile.
The answer is simple: yes, dental implants are an option for diabetics.
While diabetics are not restricted from getting dental implants, it’s crucial that patients with certain health conditions undergo thorough clinical and laboratory evaluations prior to the procedure, as with any surgery.
Dental Implants and Diabetes: Understanding the Risks
One of the most significant risks for diabetic patients undergoing dental implant treatment is the potential for implant failure. Studies show that adults with diabetes have a 2.8 to 3.4 times higher risk of periodontal disease, as well as peri-implantitis, which can compromise the bone where the implant will be placed.
This does not mean, however, that diabetics cannot consider this treatment; it simply emphasizes the importance of selecting the right implant, an experienced specialist, and a clinic that meets their specific needs.
Recent advancements in implantology and digital dental technology have shown that dental implant treatment for diabetics is more successful than previously believed. A cited study of 227 implants placed in 34 diabetic patients reported a 94.3% success rate.
Therefore, diabetics have nearly the same success rate as non-diabetics, with the only difference being a longer healing period required before prosthetic work can be placed.
Ceramic Implants – The Ideal Solution for Diabetics
One critical factor in the success of dental implants in diabetic patients is osseointegration, or the implant’s ability to bond with the bone. Ceramic implants are particularly effective in this regard.
Straumann, a renowned company, developed biocompatible dental implants with quick bone adaptation using surfaces such as SLA® and SLActive®, which have shown excellent clinical performance even in challenging cases and patients with serious health conditions. They have since introduced the SLA® surface for the Straumann® PURE ceramic implant, used at DENT ESTET.
For diabetic patients, DENT ESTET specialists recommend the Straumann SLActive® implant, which has a narrow diameter and anchors well to the bone, providing long-lasting durability. The SLActive® surface also accelerates healing, reducing osseointegration time from 6–8 weeks to just 3–4 weeks, facilitating tissue recovery.
“This implant has a strong affinity for the biological tissue where it’s placed, allowing for faster healing and integration, which is especially crucial for diabetics. As a practitioner dedicated to patient health, we always seek the best solutions. We treat patients’ oral cavities, but the outcomes of our treatments often impact their overall well-being,” says Dr. Alexandru Georgescu, DMD, Implantologist and Periodontologist at DENT ESTET.
Expert Advice on Dental Implants for Diabetics
Diabetics can opt for any dental implant procedure, including All-on-4, Fast&Fixed, mini-implants, or single implants. The experience of the performing dentist is vital. A certified dentist with advanced international training and expertise in managing complex cases will always recommend the most reliable implants to ensure lasting success.
For diabetic patients, it’s wise to consult their general physician before proceeding with the decision. Specialists recommend the following steps when considering dental implants for diabetics:
- Treat periodontal disease (if present) before placing implants;
- Address any existing cavities;
- Eliminate the effects of smoking on oral health;
- Stabilize blood glucose levels (HbA1c around 7%) before treatment;
- Attend regular dental check-ups and prophylaxis sessions post-treatment.
If diabetes was once considered a contraindication for dental implants, new developments in implantology and diabetes management have made this treatment increasingly common among diabetic patients.
It is essential to consult with a specialist when deciding on dental implant treatment, as a thorough understanding of the risks and success rate tailored to the patient’s specific medical condition can lead to optimal results.