A Guide to Dental Implants for People With Diabetes

Reviewed by Dr. Kerri Font, DDS

Reading time: four minutes.

If you have diabetes and are considering dental implant surgery, you likely have questions about whether they are a safe and effective option for you.

Diabetes can affect your body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications, so it’s a good idea to get a full understanding of how it impacts dental implant success.

In this blog, we will explore the relationship between diabetes and dental implants, who qualifies for this procedure, and alternatives if implants are not an option for you.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Diabetics can have dental implants if their blood sugar levels are well-controlled (HbA1c levels under 7%), and they maintain good oral health. However, uncontrolled diabetes increases the risk of implant failure, making their placement risky without prior management of glucose levels and gum health.

Understanding Diabetes and Dental Implants

Dental implants are an effective solution for tooth loss.They offer long-term benefits like improved function, aesthetics, and bone preservation. 

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder that affects blood sugar levels, can influence the success rate of dental implant procedures. 

Key Factors to Consider

  • Type of diabetes: People with type-1 or type-2 diabetes may face different risks depending on their blood sugar control.
  • Controlled vs. uncontrolled diabetes: Well-controlled diabetes (with stable blood glucose and HbA1c levels under 7%) is associated with higher implant success rates compared to uncontrolled diabetes (often characterized by HbA1c levels above 8%).
  • Healing challenges: Diabetes can impair wound healing and bone remodeling, which increases the risk of infection and implant failure. 
  • Periodontal disease: Many diabetic patients are more susceptible to gum disease, which can compromise the surrounding tissues and implants.

Can Diabetics Have Dental Implants?

The short answer is: yes, many diabetics can successfully get dental implants, especially if their diabetes is well-managed. 

Here are the main considerations:

  • Glycemic control: Patients with well-controlled diabetes, reflected by consistent HbA1c levels and good blood sugar management, are ideal candidates for implants.
  • Oral health: Healthy gums and adequate jaw bone density are vital for implant success. Regular dental care and periodontal treatment can improve your chances for placement.
  • Lifestyle: Follow a strict oral hygiene routine and avoid smoking or other habits that impair healing, which can significantly improve outcomes.

Implants are not recommended in these scenarios:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes: Poorly managed blood sugar levels increase the risk of complications like peri-implant disease and wound healing issues.
  • Advanced periodontal disease: Severe gum disease and marginal bone loss may make implants unsafe without prior treatment, such as bone grafting or periodontal therapy.

How to Improve Your Eligibility for Dental Implants

If your diabetes isn’t well-controlled or you have been told implants aren’t an option, there are steps you can take:

  • Optimize glycemic control: Work with your healthcare provider to stabilize your blood glucose levels. Keep a blood sugar diary and monitor HbA1c levels.
  • Address gum health: Treat any existing periodontal disease with scaling and root planing or gum surgery. Good oral hygiene and professional cleanings are vital. 
  • Bone augmentation procedures: Dental bone grafting can rebuild lost bone, improving conditions for implant placement.
  • Collaborate with specialists: A periodontist experienced in treating patients with diabetes can tailor a safe and predictable treatment plan.
Controlled Diabetes Leads to Better Implant SuccessA retrospective study found that well-controlled diabetic patients had comparable implant survival rates to non-diabetic patients over a two-year follow-up period.Systematic reviews suggest that proactive management of blood sugar levels can significantly lower the failure rate of implants in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Alternative Tooth Replacement Options for Patients With Diabetes

If you are not a candidate for dental implants due to uncontrolled diabetes, there are other tooth replacement options to consider:

  • Removable full or partial dentures: A non-surgical option for replacing a full arch of teeth or several teeth in a row. 
  • Bridges: Fixed dental bridges can replace one or more missing teeth without requiring implant placement. 

Discuss these options with your periodontist to determine the best approach for your unique needs.

Oral Hygiene Tips For Diabetic Patient’s Maintain oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily, and use antibacterial mouthwash to prevent gum disease.Follow dietary recommendations: Avoid sugary foods and drinks to stabilize blood sugar levels and support healing.Monitor health regularly: Keep track of your HbA1c levels and attend regular checkups with both your physician and dentist.Stay proactive: Address any signs of infection or gum inflammation immediately to protect your implants.

Book a Dental Implant Consultation in Highlands Ranch, CO

If you are ready to explore dental implants, visit our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Our experienced periodontists, Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, and Dr. Kerri Font, DDS, specialize in providing safe and effective implant procedures tailored to your needs.

Call us at (303) 683-1144 to schedule your consultation or visit our dental office at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

Categories: Periodontics