Are diabetes and dental implants compatible? If you have diabetes and are considering All-on-4® dental implants as a tooth replacement option, you may have concerns about whether the procedure is right for you.
Diabetes can impact various aspects of your overall health, including the ability to heal after surgery, which is a crucial factor when it comes to dental implants.
In this article, we'll explore the connection between diabetes and dental implants, how your blood sugar levels can affect your dental implant journey, and how Nuvia Dental Implant Center works with patients to provide successful outcomes.
Factors for Success: The Importance of Blood Sugar Control for Diabetes and Dental Implants
Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to complications in various areas of the body, including the gums and bones that support your teeth.
High blood sugar levels can impair the body's ability to heal, which is especially concerning when it comes to All-on-4® dental implants.
These artificial tooth roots (dental implants) require a process called osseointegration, which is when the implant fuses with the jawbone to provide a stable foundation for the replacement teeth.
When blood sugar levels are not well controlled, this integration process can be impacted, potentially leading to implant failure.
However, research has shown that diabetes and dental implants are not always a recipe for failure. All-on-4® dental implant success rates are comparable between diabetic and non-diabetic patients when diabetes is well-managed (Oates et al., 2019).
Preparation for All-on-4® Dental Implants: Managing Your Diabetes
For the best chances at success with your All-on-4® dental implants, it is crucial that diabetes is properly managed.
If your A1C level is above 10, we will work closely with you and your medical doctor to help you lower it before proceeding with the dental implant surgery.
This collaborative approach helps to minimize risks and complications associated with diabetes and dental implants procedures.
Here’s how this Nuvia Patient was able to Control His Diabetes and Get Dental Implants
Diabetes and Dental Implants Procedure: What to Expect
Once your diabetes is under control and your A1C level is below 10, you can get the All-on-4® dental implant procedure.
The steps involved in the dental implant process for diabetic patients are similar to those for non-diabetic patients:
- Consultation and Treatment Planning: First, you must be a candidate. Start by taking this 60-second quiz to see if you may qualify for permanent teeth in 24 hours.
Next, you’ll have a consultation. Diabetes or other health conditions aren’t the only things your care team will need to check on to determine if All-on-4® dental implants are for you.
They’ll take a look at your bone volume and density to determine what treatment plan is ideal for you.
- Smile Design: If you qualify for the procedure, you’ll get to design your new smile to look exactly how you’d like.
- Implant Placement: Next up is the procedure. Your dental implants will be placed and your measurements will be sent to our in-house lab so they can get your permanent teeth ready for you.
The procedure is done under general anesthesia so you can sleep comfortably through it, at no extra cost.
- Teeth Placement: 24 hours later, your permanent teeth will be ready for you! The replacement teeth are placed into your mouth, restoring your smile.
- Healing Period: After the surgery and teeth placement, a healing period of 3-6 months is necessary for the bone to grow around the new dental implants. This time frame may vary for diabetic patients, depending on how well their diabetes is managed. Close monitoring of blood sugar levels during the healing period is essential for successful implant integration.
Maintaining Your Oral Health with Diabetes and Dental Implants
After receiving All-on-4® dental implants, it's crucial for diabetic patients to maintain proper oral hygiene and blood sugar control to ensure the long-term success of their implants.
Regular dental implant checkups and cleanings, as well as close communication with your medical doctor, will help you maintain a healthy mouth and a stable blood sugar level.
Key Takeaways for Diabetic Patients Considering All-on-4 Dental Implants
- Diabetes management is crucial: Ensuring that your diabetes is well-controlled before and after the All-on-4® dental implant procedure is essential for the long-term success of your implants.
Proper blood sugar control can help minimize the risks and complications associated with diabetes and dental implant surgery.
- Collaboration with your medical doctor: We work closely with you and your medical doctor to manage your diabetes before and during the implant process. This team approach helps to provide a safe and successful All-on-4® dental implant experience.
- Importance of oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is vital for the health of your All-on-4® dental implants and your overall oral health.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings, along with diligent at-home care, can help prevent gum disease and other oral health issues that can affect the success of your dental implants.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels: Keeping a close eye on your blood sugar levels throughout the All-on-4® dental implant process is crucial. Monitoring and maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help promote successful bone growth and long-term dental implant success.
How Much Does it Cost?
Each patient needs a customized treatment plan because each person’s situation is different. This applies to the cost of dental implants as well.
Dental implant cost is determined by a few different factors; your location, the experience of your team, and the quality of the implants can all make a difference.
There are some temporary solutions to missing teeth that may not have as high of an initial cost as dental implants. This is because they don’t typically require surgery and aren’t a permanent solution like dental implants are.
To find out how others pay for dental implants and what financing options may be available, download the FREE dental implant cost guide below.
Download the Dental Implant Cost Guide Here
In Summary
Those with diabetes and dental implants can still have success and longevity with their new teeth if their diabetes is properly managed before and after the procedure.
By working together with you and your medical doctor, we aim to provide you with quality care and help you achieve a beautiful, functional, and long-lasting smile.
If you're considering All-on-4® dental implants and have diabetes, come in for a consultation to get an idea of what your personalized treatment plan would be. The benefits of dental implants are not out of reach!
To set up a consultation, first find out if you are a candidate for All-on-4® dental implants, take our with this 60-second quiz today
Sources:
Oates, T. W., Galloway, P., Alexander, P., Vargas Green, A., Huynh-Ba, G., Feine, J., & Kim, D. G. (2019). A critical review of diabetes, glycemic control, and dental implant therapy. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 30(3), 207-222.
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