I’m losing a couple of teeth due to an accident and am hoping to get dental implants. The big problem with that is I have diabetes. Will that knock me out of contention for dental implants? If so, what are my options?
Timothy
Dear Timothy,
Having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean you will not be able to get dental implants, but it does mean that you will need careful diagnostics and examine the additional risk factors. Once you weigh those factors, you and your dentist can decide what you want to do.
If your dentist prefers you to see a surgeon, just insist there is great communication between your dentist and your surgeon. Some surgeons will do the surgery to place the implants and then send you to the dentist. That often results in a dental implant horror story. It’s important your dentist is consulted on the placement.
Alternatives to Dental Implants
What do you do if you cannot get dental implants? There are other options. One thing you can do is get a dental bridge. The downside to that is the adjacent teeth will have to be fitted for dental crowns. That is not always an ideal thing to do if you have healthy teeth. You want to keep as much healthy tooth structure as you can. But, if those teeth are in need of any work, it would make more sense.
Another option is to have a removable partial denture. This just attaches to your adjacent teeth with some clasps.
The key to all of this is to speak with your dentist and figure out, in your situation, which treatment is best for you. It may be dental implants work.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.