Dental Implants and Diabetes
BY Brian Hinds
Diabetes is a serious, sometimes life threatening disease that must be kept in check as much as possible. The American Diabetes Association defines it as a disease in which "the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy needed for daily life." There is an estimated 18.2 million American citizens who have diabetes while approximately 5.2 million of these individuals have never had their condition diagnosed. For those individuals with diabetes, it is extremely important to closely monitor the progression of the disease by way of such things as exercise and diet. Proper control of diabetes is also tied in with good dental health and oral hygiene. Excellent care of the mouth helps prevent infections from developing and this can play a vital role in controlling the disease.
Diabetes is broken down into types 1 and 2. Type 1 diabetes is referred to as "insulin dependent or immune-mediated diabetes, and is caused by the ability of the pancreas to produce insulin." Type 2 on the other hand, is "non-insulin dependent or adult onset diabetes." Type 2 diabetes is by far the more widespread of the two kinds and is found in approximately ninety percent of the people who are diagnosed with the disease. Type 2 diabetes means that the human body does either one of two things- it either doesn't produce an adequate amount of insulin or it is unable to use the amount it already has. Insulin is essential for blood cells to use glucose.
It is generally believed that dental implants are less effective for individuals who have certain disease, specifically those that have a negative impact on the immune system such as diabetes. The reason this is the case is that these individuals have a more difficult time both fighting infection and also when it comes to healing. The placement of dental implants involves surgery therefore infection is a worry as is how long it takes the mouth to heal from surgery.
Studies have shown that the bacterial plaque found at the gum lines of patients who are unable to properly control their diabetes is different than the plaque evidenced by patients who have diabetes that is well maintained. Those with badly controlled diabetes have also been should to have more inflammation and disease affecting their gums such as loss of teeth and bone. According to a spokesperson at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a dental implant is deemed a success if the individual's existing bone tissue is able to sufficiently and as naturally as possible grow comfortably around the implant thereby securing it as deep into the bone as is possible. Dental implants are the perfect answer for missing teeth because they feel like normal, natural teeth. As well they can also make a patient look considerably younger as well as improve his or her outward appearance tremendously.
Besides the esthetic ways that dental implants improve a person's looks, they also help save neighboring teeth by not making it necessary for them to be pulled out (as they would if a person required a permanent bridge). Dental implants are very reliable and often last a person's lifetime. As well they are versatile and allow patients more confidence in their eating and speaking habits. Diabetes should not hinder a person from considering this excellent method of tooth replacement.
Did you find this article useful? You can learn a lot more about Dental Implants at http://www.dental-tooth-implant.com
ABOUTH THE AUTHOR
Brian Hinds has a special interest in Dental Implant procedures and health related topics. In his spare time he runs an informational website on Dental Implants helping people educate themselves enabling them to make an informed decision on all aspects of Dental Implants including the benefits, risks and costs. for more information Visit http://dental-tooth-implant.com
1Dentalcarehelp.com Copyright © 2007, All Rights Reserved