Diabetics can often encounter dental issues resulting from gum disease and infection. These dental complications can affect healthy teeth and gums and destroy bone and gum tissue holding teeth in place. Three Rivers Dental Group offers the best dental care treatment solutions to diabetics who have lost teeth as a result of periodontitis. Learn more about dental care options for diabetics and how to determine if dentures or dental implants are the best treatment solution.
Common Oral Health Complications Caused by Diabetes
Diabetics struggling with daily management of blood glucose levels may find themselves experiencing an inflammatory response to bacteria caused by plaque, which accumulates on teeth as we eat. Plaque bacteria can lead to oral health complications including gum disease and infection in the form of gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), periodontitis (advanced gum disease), or oral fungal infections including thrush. Common factors indicating the onset of gum disease include persistent bad breath, dry mouth, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums and loose or missing teeth. To prevent further oral health and wellness complications, the American Diabetes Association recommends a good daily dental hygiene routine for teeth and gums, along with regular dental checkups every six months.
Determining the Best Dental Solution
Poor glucose control and diabetes management can lead to periodontitis, which in turn can continue to negatively impact blood glucose (sugar) levels. This can affect the body’s natural process of healing following surgeries as well as jaw bone strength. In order to determine the best dental care solution, each diabetic patient is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if their overall health and age complies with our dental implant guidelines. Although Type 1 diabetes is more difficult to control, diabetics who have a proven history of healing, are not at high risk for post-implant infection and whose health is in compliance with our implant guidelines could be considered good candidates for dental implants. Dental implants are not considered a dental solution for individuals at risk for proper healing and recovery following a post-implant procedure, in poor health, or those considered to have jawbone complications. In this instance, dentures are a safer option for diabetics affected by poor blood glucose levels and tooth loss resulting from gum disease.
Dentures and Partials for Diabetics
Three Rivers Dental Group offers natural-looking Comfy-Fit and Traditional Cold-Pour Dentures as well as Flexi-Fit partials for ultimate comfort and fit. Crafted from a special, pressure-injected, heat-cured process, our Comfy Fit brand dentures and Flexi-Fit metal-free partials are made from lightweight, high-impact acrylic. For patients interested in a durable, economical solution, we offer traditional cold-pour dentures as well as a traditional cast and acrylic Flexi-Fit partial made from a combination of flexible acrylic and metal.
Daily Denture Care
Since less saliva is produced while sleeping, dentures should be removed prior to napping and soaked in water or a mild denture-soaking solution overnight to avoid an accumulation of plaque bacteria on dentures and supporting teeth. It is also advisable to rinse the mouth and gently brush the teeth and clean dentures after eating to prevent gum tissue irritation and control plaque buildup. Mayo Clinic offers additional insight on the care of removable partial or full dentures to keep them clean, free from stains and looking their best.
Dental Implants for Diabetics
According to a 2019 Quality Assessment of Systematic Reviews regarding dental implant placement on diabetic patients, evidence suggests dental implant therapy is a safe option for oral rehabilitation in diabetic patients, since it extends the life of surrounding teeth, improves nutrition and metabolic control. Dental implants are designed to fuse with bone to become permanent. They look and feel like natural teeth, and are colored to match existing teeth. Diabetics with controlled glucose levels can be considered as candidates for dental implants, but may require special pre and post-implant care following the implant procedure to minimize complications. Following a complete oral exam with X-rays, your dentist will be able to determine if dental implants are the best treatment solution.
If you are a diabetic considering dentures or dental implants, contact Three Rivers Dental today for an oral health evaluation and dental care recommendation tailored to your individual needs. Call 1 (855) 4 NO FEARS or schedule an appointment on our website. We are conveniently located throughout the Pittsburgh area in Cranberry, Greentree, Greensburg, and Jennerstown.