If I have Type 1 Diabetes is it possible for me to get dental implants? My dentist says it isn’t, but I have a friend with the same condition and he’s had dental implants for years. Have they learned something different since then that makes it no longer possible?
Maggie
Dear Maggie,
While Type 1 Diabetes isn’t a contraindication for dental implants, it does put you in a very high-risk group. My suspicion is your dentist isn’t comfortable with the high risk. Don’t push him into doing the procedure. You can still get your dental implants, however, I would make certain you do it with a dentist who has extensive expertise.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a recognized dental implant specialty. One way you can guarantee your dentist has the skills needed is to find someone who is a fellow with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). They will do careful diagnostics and monitor you closely throughout.
Ideally, you want a dentist who can also do the surgical placement. This eliminates any possible miscommunication that can happen between a dentist who outsources to an oral surgeon.
You didn’t mention where the placement for the dental implant will be. Is it a back tooth or a tooth that is visible when you smile? If it is a back tooth, the color isn’t as much of a concern. However, if it is a tooth people will see when you smile, you may want to consider the long-term.
Many patients as they hit their 30s and 40s decide it is time to whiten their smile. When you do teeth whitening, your natural teeth will whiten but not your dental work. This will include the crown for your dental implant. In order to get them to match, you would have to have the porcelain crown re-made to match the new whiter color.
Because of this, I often suggest patients get their teeth whitened ahead of time. This way their teeth are the color they’d like in the long-term. This saves you money. If the color of your teeth isn’t an issue with you, then ignore everything I just said…except for the type of dentist you need for this procedure.
This blog is brought to you by Sugar Land Dentist Dr. Siny Thomas.