I lost a tooth and was really hoping to replace it with a dental implant. However, my dentist hinted that people with my condition should not get dental implants because it is too high risk. Is it possible for me to have a dental implant or should I look for the next best solution?
Edward
Dear Edward,
Osseointegration of the bone to the implant is essential.
Having Type 1 Diabetes does not mean that that you cannot have a dental implant. However, there ARE additional risk factors. To mitigate these risks, you will need careful diagnostic work, which will help the dentist assess any other possible risk factors. You will also need much more careful monitoring throughout each stage of the procedure.
My guess is that your dentist does not feel qualified to take this on. Dental implants are not adequately taught in dental school. They’re touched on. However, this is an extremely advanced procedure with severe consequences, when not done correctly. In your place, I would not push your dentist to do this. Instead, look for a dentist with excellent post-doctoral training.
Make sure they understand your specific circumstance and ask how they will adjust their normal procedure. If they are sending you to an oral surgeon, make certain that it is the dentist who plans the placement of the implants and not the surgeon. That is absolutely essential.
If you do not want to take the risk associated with a dental implant, you do have a second best option. In that case, I would recommend that you get a dental bridge. This places a dental crown on the two adjacent teeth and suspends a fake tooth between them. The obvious downside to this is that two healthy teeth will have to get dental crowns. If one of them needs a crown anyway, then this may be a more logical solution for you.
I hope this helps you.
This blog is brought to you by Kalamazoo Dentist Dr. Susan Dennis.