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Have Diabetes? Find Out if You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants!

Older couple with dental implants smiling

Every year, over 500,000 people choose dental implants because of their amazing health and lifestyle benefits. If you have diabetes, you may be wondering whether you can take advantage of this amazing tooth replacement option. While your condition might put you at higher risk of implant failure, this life-changing solution doesn’t need to be completely ruled out! Read on to learn how your diabetes affect the success of dental implants as well as what you can do to ensure the health of your new smile.

Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Diabetes?

If your diabetes is under control, there is a good chance that dental implants are right for you! However, those with uncontrolled type 1 and 2 diabetes are at a high risk of implant failure, which is why dentists often recommend a different replacement solution. Those with diabetes will automatically have a longer healing process and are also more prone to infection that can cause the implant to fail. Additionally, diabetes can interfere with the osseointegration process, sometimes delaying or even halting the healing completely. Osseointegration occurs when the implant fuses to the jawbone – without it, your implant won’t be successful.

What Can Diabetics Do to Ensure Successful Dental Implants?

Thankfully, diabetics can still enjoy the many advantages that dental implants have to offer. By working closely with your dentist, you can use these tips to give yourself your best chance at this amazing tooth replacement:

  • Manage your diabetes: Talk to your doctor about lifestyle changes like diet and exercise if you haven’t already. Additionally, be sure to keep up with all your prescribed medication.
  • Maintain good oral healthcare: Diabetics are more prone to common oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay, which is why it’s more important than ever to brush twice a day and floss once a day. You can also try a non-alcoholic mouthwash – just don’t choose a product with alcohol because it will dry out your mouth.
  • Treat your gum disease: Gum disease is directly linked to overall health risks, including diabetes, which is why it’s important to see your dentist for treatment. You may have gum disease if you notice problems like redness, bleeding, swelling, tenderness, and more.
  • Visit your dentist regularly: When it comes to your oral health, the best defense is a good offense. Visit your dentist at least twice a year so they can catch any issues while they’re still small. This will also ensure that your mouth is ready for dental implants.

Don’t let diabetes keep you from the best tooth replacement available. Now that you know more about dental implants and whether they’re right for you, contact your dentist and explore your options!

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Tad Morgan is a dentist with decades of experience who takes pride in offering dental implants to his Bullard patients as a lifelong solution for tooth loss. He has advanced training and has taken over 1,000 hours of continuing education. To schedule an appointment, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (903) 825-1112.