The Effects of Diabetes on Dental Implants in Leeds

Diabetes is a major health problem affecting many people around the world.Diabetes has also been associated with dry mouth, increased levels of saliva, swelling of the gums and an increased incidence of tooth decay. However, one of the most common side effects of diabetes is tooth loss due to gum disease or other oral infections. Dental implants in Leeds, available at practices such as Enhance dental, are a great treatment option for people who have lost one, several or all of their natural teeth, provided that they are in good overall health. Certain risks are always involved with dental implants, but patients with diabetes may have increased risks, so dental implants may not be as appropriate. While many people with diabetes are perfectly suitable candidates for dental implants, there are a number of issues that should be taken into consideration before the treatment begins.

Dental Implants and the Diabetic Patient

First developed in the 1960s and commercially introduced 20 years later, dental implants represent a significantly better option for tooth loss replacement than traditional dentures and bridges. This is because dental implants are embedded into the jawbone, providing complete stability. They also minimise jawbone deterioration, which can cause facial contours to collapse resulting in a prematurely aged look. Over the decades, various techniques for improved management of diabetes have also evolved and evidence has shown that patients who effectively control their diabetes and keep their condition stable, have a lower risk of developing health complications. For instance, patients with controlled diabetes respond better to gum disease treatment. The same applies to healing after getting dental implants in Leeds. Recent studies have shown that patients whose levels of insulin are stable can have successful dental implant surgery.

Consulting the Dentist

The overall medical or health history of a patient is important in determining whether they should have dental implants in Leeds. Patients with diabetes often need longer healing times than other patients, so one factor to consider is how well they recovered after any previous surgery.Taking this information into account, a dentist can help a diabetic patient make the right decision when it comes to weighing up their options for tooth replacement.