Diabetes and Dental Implants

I recently lost my first tooth. I did some research and found that the best tooth replacement is a dental implant. I spoke to my dentist about that and he said that my diabetes does not allow me to get dental implants. He suggested I consider a dental bridge. I will admit I was a bit disappointed. Are there other options? When I looked up what a bridge was it looks like I have to get crowns on two other teeth. Those teeth are healthy and do not need crowns. I’m hoping there is something else.

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

I am glad you wrote. I’m going to start off by saying that you are not with the best dentist for this particular situation. It does not mean that you can’t still have him as your dentist. I just wouldn’t use him for this tooth replacement. While having diabetes does put you at a higher risk, it does not mean that you cannot have a dental implant placed. Though, there are some considerations.

Whatever you decide, don’t pressure this dentist to do the procedure. If he discouraged you from it, that tells me he’s not comfortable doing this procedure. There are too many risks involved for you to go to someone who is not at the top of the dental implant game. It’s an incredibly advanced procedure that has serious consequences if it doesn’t go well, even for people who are not at high risk.

In your case, you will need careful diagnostics as well as more monitoring throughout the procedure. In addition to that, I would like you to also make sure whatever implant dentist that you choose can also do the surgical part of the procedure. This way there are no communication issues between surgeon and dentist.

If you can’t find a dentist qualified to do the surgical part, make certain that it is the dentist who decides the placement of the implant and not the surgeon.

This blog is brought to you by Nashville Dentist Dr. David Wickness.