I have diabetes. It’s under control, but still present. I’ve lost a lot of teeth as well. I wanted to replace them, but my dentist said I don’t have the bone necessary. He suggested All-on-4 Dental Implants. I’m worried that I’m not a good candidate for that based on what I’ve read. Can a diabetic have that done?
Lucy
Dear Lucy,
I’m glad your diabetes is under control. It’s typically those who have uncontrolled diabetes who are at risk of dental implant failure. In your case, it’s the lack of bone which is the bigger issue.
As you can see from the image above, the implant is held in place by the bone growing around it. Without enough bone to integrate with your implant, it will come loose and fall out. That’s probably the reason why your dentist suggested all-on-4. It’s designed to give patients with less jawbone an option. The implants are put in at an angle instead of perpendicular. However, if one dental implant breaks, the whole thing has to be replaced.
You can get traditional dental implants if that’s what you want. There’s a bone grafting procedure which can be done as an outpatient in one appointment. This will build up your bone so that you can get traditional dental implants.
Benefits to Dental Implants
- Protects you from Facial Collapse.
- It’s like having healthy, natural teeth.
- They stay in place. You’ll never have to worry about them slipping, like dentures.
- You can eat what you want.
- You can brush and floss like normal.
Oral Surgeon or Dentist?
While many dentists say they do dental implants, most of them only actually do the restoration and outsource the surgery. When that happens, there is always a chance of miscommunication which causes the implant to be placed incorrectly.
At Pumphrey Periodontics, we do both procedures. You’ll never have to worry about miscommunication that way.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. David Pumphrey.
