Dental Implants with Diabetes & Heart Disease: Risks and Realities - Dr Nitesh Motwani

Dental implants have revolutionized the field of modern dentistry, giving the patient a permanent and natural looking substitute to the lost teeth. To most people, they not only bring back smiles, but also confidence, efficiency in chewing, and oral health.

No‑one should die with their teeth in a glass of water.” — Professor Per‑Ingvar Brånemark

Dental implants are most natural way of replacing missing teeth !

Safety and success rates are the questions, however, that naturally arise when patients have a systemic disease, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. These issues are among the most common concerns that I encounter in my role as an oral implantologist, and the good news is that, when properly considered and carefully managed, dental implants can be both safe and effective among diabetics and heart patients. 

Understanding the Concerns

1. Diabetes and Implants Diabetes has an influence on the healing and infection fighting ability of the body.Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may slow down wound healing, predispose a person to gum disease, and weaken the integration of the implant with the jawbone- a process known as bone integration.

That is why in the past diabetic patients were regarded as high-risk implantation. However, latest research indicates that patients who had good-controlled diabetes (HbA1c below 7) had an equal chance of success with implants as non-diabetic patients.

Diabetes is not so much of a problem as the management thereof.

2. Heat diseases and stents. In patients with heart disease (a history of bypass surgery or stents, hypertension, or taking blood thinners, etc.), the safety of surgery and the risk of bleeding is the first issue. Placing implants is a relatively simple operation, however, it does include incisions and drilling bone.

Most heart patients can safely undergo implant surgery with proper precautions and in consultation with the cardiologist of the patient. Indeed, other patients with cardiac issues are more comfortable with implant procedures compared to removable dentures that leave sore spots and chewing complications.

For Diabetic Patients: Blood sugar level: Ideally, implants must be placed when HbA1c is controlled.

* Oral hygiene: Diabetes patients should be particularly careful with brushing and flossing their teeth and visiting the dentist regularly to avoid peri-implantitis (gum infection around implants).

* Antibiotic coverage: There are situations, where preventive antibiotics can be prescribed to minimize the risk of infection. Healing management: Healing could be checked for every week , follow ups and patience is the key

 For Heart Patients:  Medical clearance: Before the surgery, a cardiologist should be consulted to help the patient to be stable and safe.

* Blood thinners: A large number of patients are taking aspirin or other anti-coagulants. In most cases, it is not necessary to discontinue these medications to have implant surgery, however, it is a case-by-case procedure. • Reduction of stress: Minimal invasive procedures under local anesthesia are tolerated well in most cases. It can also be sedated when it is necessary.

* Antibiotic prophylaxis: In some heart diseases (e.g. artificial valves), preventive antibiotics can be the solution to prevent bacterial endocarditis. 

Contemporary Solutions that enhance Safety. Implantology has made enormous progress today: Minimal invasive flapless surgery: This type of surgery minimizes trauma and accelerates the healing process. We don’t give any sutures or stitches after the procedure making it less fearful

* Guided surgery and 3D digital planning permit a high degree of accuracy, resulting in reduced time spent on surgery. Implants that have been surface-modified stimulate quicker bone incorporation, even among patients with slower healing. Innovations are less risky, and more predictable to non-isolated patient health

Benefits Outweigh the Risks It should be noted that the absence of teeth alone may be a source of adverse health effects. This is due to poor nutrition due to poor chewing and this may also be a cause of worsening diabetes or heart health. Dentures that do not fit may lead to ulcers and infections.

When calculated well, implants have the power to restore oral and enhance dietary habits and also improve the overall quality of life. Diabetic and heart patients who get implants say they can now feel much more confident and well.

The psychological advantages of the ability to smile and to eat without any difficulties should not be underestimated. 

Final Thoughts Diabetics or heart patients are not contraindicated against dental implants.

The best way to ensure success is proper treatment plan with proper consultation and collaboration of doctors and proper post op care

You can not rule out implants if you are living with diabetes or another heart condition. Rather, refer to a competent implantologist who will review your health history, contact your physicians, and develop a treatment plan that is safe and specific to you.

Thousands of diabetic and cardiac patients across the globe are already enjoying the life transforming benefits of dental implants with the right precautions in place. The bottom line is: yes, dental implants are safe in diabetics and heart patients - when taken responsibly.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.