Only a few decades ago, people who lost their teeth due to gum disease, neglect or accidents were relegated to wearing full or partial dentures to replace some or all of their teeth. Dental implants now allow dentists to replace individual teeth, create dental bridges or make denture supports that are much more natural and better fitting than normal dentures. Dental implants are titanium rods about half an inch long that are placed inside the jawbone and serve the same purpose as the roots of teeth. The success rate of dental implants is generally less for individuals with diseases affecting the immune system, such as diabetes. Despite the potential problems associated with healing and fighting infection, a new study shows encouraging results for implants in people with type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that affects the way the body uses food. There are two types. Type 1 is referred to as insulin dependent or immune-mediated diabetes, and is caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin. Type 2 is often referred to as non-insulin dependent or adult onset diabetes and is the much more common form, occurring in roughly 90 percent of the cases. With type 2 diabetes, your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot properly use it. Insulin is necessary for the vast number of blood cells in your body to use glucose, a sugar that helps sustain life.
The VA Dental Implant Clinical Research Group evaluated 2,887 implants placed in 667 patients. The results showed promising results for patients with type 2 diabetes, as well as the general population. This study followed patients for three years, and 255 of the 2,887 implants were placed in type 2 diabetics. The overall success rate was 93.2 percent and only slightly less, 92.2 percent, for type 2 diabetics. Some special measures were taken to improve the success rate in the diabetic patients. These measures included giving the patients antibiotics prior to treatment, having the patient rinse with a strong prescription strength antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine), and using a specific type of implant that is covered with a bone-like coating (hydroxyapatite).
Want a great dentist who can help you with all of your dental implant needs? Call us at 1-866-970-0441 today.
