I recently lost three adjacent teeth. I’d like to get dental implants, but my dentist said I cannot because I have diabetes. He wants me to get a removable partial denture. I’m really disappointed. Is there no way for a diabetic to get dental implants?
Violet
Dear Violet,
The only time there is a concern when it comes to diabetes and dental implants is when your diabetes is completely out of control. It doesn’t sound like that is you. My guess is (and it is just a guess) that your dentist said that because he doesn’t do dental implants.
Instead of saying that, he steers you away from that option toward another a procedure he is much more familiar with. He knows how to do removable partial dentures.
So, do you stick with this dentist and either push him toward your implants or go with his procedure? Or, do you switch dentists?
Advantages of Dental Implants
If you were talking about a single tooth I might have offered a compromise procedure of a dental bridge. This suspends a false tooth between two crowns, as seen above.
However, you’ve lost three teeth, that means you’d be talking about a 5-unit bridge in your case. That is a lot of stress on the crowned teeth and not very stable.
Plus, dental implants have distinct advantages when you’re talking about several teeth missing.
- They’re more stable. Your removable partial dentures are just that, removable. They will move around and you will get things under them.
- Your chewing capacity increases. You’ll have a stronger bite, making it easier for you to eat.
- They’ll preserve your bone. Your body reabsorbs the minerals in your jawbone where the teeth were to use elsewhere. With prosthetic roots in there, it keeps the bone safe and sound.
I’m going to suggest you go with the dental implants. However, don’t press your dentist into doing the procedure himself. It’s never a good idea to force a dentist out of his or her comfort zone. The results are rarely good.
My advice is to find a dentist experienced in dental implants. You don’t have to completely switch dentists if you like yours. Just use someone else for this particular treatment.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.