Were you holding back on dental implants because you thought your diabetes excluded you from fixing your teeth? Well, now you can rest easy. A new study says that you need not worry – that teeth implants can be successful, even if you have uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Consult with Dr. Nick & Dr. Elliott to learn more about safe and successful Long Island teeth implants for diabetes sufferers.
Study shows elevated blood sugar doesn’t affect dental implants
Diabetes sufferers may have worried that their dental implants would not last due to high blood sugar levels. Theoretically, diabetes alters bone formation, compromises wound healing, and decreases the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
However, researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio found that the conventional wisdom simply did not apply. They studied 117 patients with 234 dental implants – of which, 47 had well-controlled diabetes and 20 patients had poorly-controlled diabetes. They determined “success” based on pain reports, mobility, and integration with surrounding bone and tissue.
After one year, none of the implants failed in the 20 patients studied. Scientists observed that the average patient took 3.8 months to achieve full stability, but diabetic patients took until 7.3 months – although the increased healing time did not seem to affect the overall success of the implants. “We failed to identify any association between elevated blood sugar and implant failure or implant complications,” said study author Dr. Thomas W. Oates Jr.
Same day implants for all Suffolk County patients
Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick of Long Island Implants and Cosmetic Dentistry have never turned away a patient because of diabetes. We have had excellent results in placing implants in these patients. Teeth are important for one’s overall health, for the protection of the jawbone, and for chewing function, so we are pleased to offer our dental services to everyone, regardless of what other health conditions they may have.
To place implants, our surgeons drill a small hole in the jawbone, insert a titanium screw, and place a porcelain crown on top of the implant. Patients are given antibiotics to prevent complications during the healing process. Compared to dentures, porcelain implants are as strong as regular teeth, provide superior placement and feel, and protect the surrounding bone better. Our experience mirrors the study’s findings: most patients bounce back from teeth implants after six weeks; diabetics may take 8-12 weeks for complete healing, but these patients fare equally well with their new smile.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted with Long Island teeth implants!
Long Island cosmetic dentists Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick offer:
- Single dental implants
- Multiple teeth implants
- Same day “All on 4” implants
- Mini implants
- Dental grafts
Our award-winning “one-stop-shop” for same day dental implants offers complete procedures, beginning at the incredibly affordable price of $1995. Dr. Elliot and Dr. Nick are members of the American Dental Association, NYS Dental Association, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and International Congress of Oral Implantologists. They are certified in anesthesiology, so there is no need to pay an outside professional’s fees. Contact us for a free evaluation at (631) 319-7891.
