Why Diabetes Is Tough on Dental Issues | Snohomish Dentist

Believe it or not, but diabetes affects more than 29% of Americans. In fact, it affects us so much November has been designated National Diabetes Awareness Month. And we generally correlate it to a blood sugar thing, there are plenty of dental issues that can arise from not taking care of yourself. Recent research has shown that periodontal diseases are among the serious problems that can be caused from diabetes. Unfortunately, tooth loss is a likely result of not looking after things. The problem is, diabetics aren’t the greatest candidates for dental implants. But what classifies a viable candidate? There has been research done to find out why implants don’t work and the results have shown that it all depends on how you maintain your diabetes. The restoration has worked well among patients who took care of themselves well, but those who didn’t had an added failure risk.

Diabetic patients have an automatic increased chance of developing periodontal disease, which is an unfavorable condition for dental implant surgery. Because an incision is made in the gums during dental implant surgery, if gums have any sort of infection, the bacteria can spread to the bone and into the blood stream. Patients who maintain controlled levels may be considered for the surgery. And because healing takes a bit longer for diabetic patients, postoperative care is crucial for diabetic patients after the dental implant surgery, so make sure to follow all guidelines given. Proper maintenance of oral hygiene, quitting smoking and periodic dental visits can decide the success of the implant – but it ultimately lies in your hands.

For more information regarding your diabetic dental issues, call Dr. Haines in Snohomish, WA at 360-568-8577 or visit www.tedhainesdds.com.

Dr. Haines proudly serves Snohomish, Monroe, Lake Stevens, Everett, Mill Creek, Woodinville, and surrounding areas.