Diabetes is a chronic disease that is becoming increasingly common in Türkiye and around the world, and it is closely related to oral health. Gum disease and related tooth loss may be seen more frequently among diabetes patients; this increases the need for implant treatment. Many patients, however, think that an implant cannot be done because they are diabetic. Yet in patients whose blood sugar is well controlled, implant treatment can be planned successfully. Knowing the relationship between diabetes and implants makes it easier for you to prepare for treatment and manage the risks. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we plan the treatment of our diabetic patients in Türkiye in harmony with their relevant physicians.
How Does Diabetes Affect Implants?
Uncontrolled high blood sugar can weaken the body’s capacity to heal and fight infections. Changes in small blood vessels can reduce blood flow reaching the tissues, and bone renewal and collagen production can be negatively affected. These effects can slow the implant’s fusion with the bone and increase the risk of infection. In the long term, they can raise the risk of inflammation around the implant.
The Difference Between Controlled and Uncontrolled Diabetes
What is decisive here is not so much the presence of diabetes as how well it is controlled. In diabetes patients whose blood sugar is kept regular and at target values, the results of implant treatment can be quite close to those of people without diabetes. In uncontrolled diabetes, however, the risks increase markedly and treatment may need to be postponed.
The Importance of the HbA1c Value
HbA1c is a test that reflects the average blood sugar level over the last two to three months and is an important indicator in implant planning. It is recommended that your current HbA1c value be known before treatment and shared with your dentist. If the value is high, it may be necessary to work together with your internal medicine or endocrinology physician to improve blood sugar control before surgery. The target value for treatment suitability is determined taking into account the patient’s general condition and the scope of the procedure.
Preparation Before Treatment
- Current tests: Share your HbA1c and fasting blood sugar values with your dentist.
- Medication list: Report all the diabetes medications and other medications you use.
- Communication with other physicians: When necessary, your dentist creates a joint plan by consulting your internal medicine or endocrinology physician.
- Gum health: It is important that gum disease, which is common in diabetes patients, is treated before the implant.
- Complications: Diabetes complications such as kidney, heart or vascular problems are also included in the evaluation.
What to Pay Attention to on the Day of Surgery
- Do not skip meals: Before your appointment, have your normal meal in line with your dentist’s recommendation; do not come hungry.
- Arrange your medications: Get information in advance from your diabetes physician about the use of insulin or other medications.
- Blood sugar measurement: Your blood sugar may be checked before the procedure.
- Morning appointment: Morning hours are generally preferred in terms of blood sugar control.
- Keep a sugar source: Keep a fast-acting sugar source with you in case your blood sugar drops.
What to Pay Attention to During the Healing Period
After surgery, stress and dietary changes can affect blood sugar levels. During this period, it is important that you measure your blood sugar more frequently, take care to eat soft but balanced food, and use your medications regularly. Following the oral care instructions recommended by your dentist meticulously helps reduce the risk of infection. If you notice increasing swelling, pain, fever or delayed wound healing, contact your clinic.
It is important that you attend check-up appointments regularly so that wound healing can be monitored.
For Long-Term Success
- Blood sugar control: Keeping blood sugar at target values is important for the long-term health of the implant.
- Regular check-ups: Implant check-ups may be planned more frequently for diabetes patients.
- Meticulous oral care: Daily cleaning around the implant with appropriate tools.
- Stay away from smoking: When diabetes and smoking occur together, the risks increase markedly.
Dry Mouth and Infections in Diabetes
In diabetes patients, dry mouth, fungal infections in the mouth and delayed wound healing may be seen more frequently. Reduced saliva flow makes it easier for bacterial plaque to accumulate and can negatively affect the tissues around the implant. Drinking plenty of water, measures that increase saliva flow such as sugar-free chewing gum, and products recommended by your dentist can help in managing this condition. If you experience dry mouth, it is also useful to consult your physician to review the medications you use.
A Two-Way Relationship
It is known that there is a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease: uncontrolled diabetes can worsen gum disease, while chronic inflammation in the mouth can make blood sugar control more difficult. For this reason, protecting your oral health can also be considered part of your diabetes management. At DijiDent, we offer implant treatment to our diabetic patients with this holistic perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Implant treatment can be planned for diabetes patients whose blood sugar is under control.
The target value is determined according to the patient’s general condition and the scope of the procedure. It is important that you share your current value with your dentist.
Yes. Medication adjustment and planning of the day of surgery are done together with your diabetes physician.
Uncontrolled diabetes can negatively affect healing; with good control, this risk decreases markedly.
More frequent check-ups may be recommended depending on the risk status.
A safe implant plan is possible alongside diabetes.
Contact us to book an appointment for your personal implant plan that also takes your diabetes into account. Let us plan your treatment in harmony with your other physicians at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Be sure to consult the relevant physician before making any changes to your diabetes medications.
