Whether you decide to undergo surgery for dental implants in Richmond or anywhere else in the country, you’ll find that advances in technology and a greater knowledge of how our bodies deal with implants now means that there aren’t many circumstances that exclude potential patients from going through the process. However there are some caveats. Some of these being heavy smoking or drinking, cancer of the mouth or jaw and diabetes. Even then, people with diabetes are not always excluded as it isn’t always as ‘cut and dried’. Let’s explain further.
Controlled vs uncontrolled diabetes
It is possible that for many diabetics the problem or issue is tightly controlled and managed, whereas in others it may not be that straight forward. With this in mind, it’s understood that there is direct correlation between high blood sugar levels and gum disease. Those with more glucose in their blood are at greater risk from gum disease than those who manage it. Unfortunately if gum disease is present then this has to be treated and eradicated before any implants can be placed.
In addition diabetes can in certain circumstances affect the ossoeintegration process. This is a process whereby the titanium implant is secured or screwed into the jawbone. After a period of time the bone tissue will fuse and merge with the implant creating a super-strong platform upon which to sit the prosthetic crown. It’s osseointegraton that makes dental implants unique amongst tooth replacement treatments as unlike dentures, it doesn’t rely on fixers or glues to hold the implant in place. In fact, osseointegration is absolutely vital to the success of the implant. The problem is that the healing period after soft bone tissue surgery can alter considerably in people who suffer from diabetes. In non-diabetic patients, bone fusion occurs in around 6 weeks, whereas in those with moderately well-controlled diabetes, it can take twice as long (up to 12 weeks). Furthermore those who don’t have their diabetes under control may find that osseointegration doesn’t take place at all which can spell disaster for an implant and the process as a whole.
So what should you do if you suffer with diabetes?
If you are considering dental implants then it’s imperative that you tell your dentist that you are diabetic. Here at Sheen Dental, we’ve been fitting dental implants in Richmond for many years and as such have both the experience and the knowledge to advise diabetic patients on the steps they need to take to ensure a successful implant. Moreover, if a dentist knows that a patient is indeed diabetic, they can then look to treat the patient with the right care and caution that needs to be exercised.
If you would like to know more about the intricacies of diabetes and how it may affect a dental implant, in Richmond it’s good to know that Sheen Dental are on hand to help. Dr Harmit Kalsi and the team are standing by to assist, so why not give them a call on 020 8876 5277 or visit the website at www.sheendental.co.uk to book your free no-obligation consultation and put your mind at ease once and for all.