Can People with Diabetes Get Dental Implants?

Despite some challenges, people with diabetes can have dental implants. What should they do before starting implant treatment?
Dentaloji founding dentist Dt. Sevcan BİÇER says: "Oral and dental health is one of the areas where people with diabetes have the most problems. As long as they keep their blood sugar under control, they can have dental implants." In diabetes, the patient's blood sugar level must be under control. We often meet patients who say they have high blood sugar but do not take any medication. We decide whether an implant can be placed based on the tests we request. Implants can be placed in patients whose HbA1c is below 7. Regular check-ups after the implant are very important.

"YOUNG PATIENTS SHOULD DEFINITELY CONSIDER IMPLANTS"

Implants bring the smile back, especially for young people with diabetes who have lost teeth to periodontal disease. "In mild and moderate diabetes that is under control, implants can be placed comfortably. The patient should take their medication on the day of the operation and keep good metabolic control during healing. Smokers should stop before the operation; in fact many patients quit smoking completely this way. An implant can be placed when the bone is healthy, the technique is applied correctly and blood sugar is below 130 mg/dl. If diabetes is not under control, it is better to postpone the operation until it is."

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE TREATMENT?

Knowing the blood sugar level before treatment is very important. If the patient measures it routinely, there is no problem. If not, an HbA1c test, which shows how well diabetes has been controlled over the last 3 months, should be requested. Patients on insulin should eat and take their insulin at the usual time before the appointment, and the appointment is scheduled between morning and noon. If blood sugar drops during surgery, the patient should say so, and the dentist should have sugared water ready. Stress and adrenaline increase the need for insulin; if the patient is anxious, the insulin dose can be adjusted in consultation with their doctor. A blood sugar level between 120 and 180 mg/dl shows that treatment can be carried out safely.