Archives for March 2021

Can a Type 1 Diabetic Get Dental Implants?

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I want to replace a tooth I am losing but am a type 1 diabetic. My dentist said that he did not recommend dental implants for someone with my condition. Is there any chance that there are special procedures that I can do to make this possible? I really wanted an implant so it would be like having a real tooth there.

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

3 dental implant images

Yes, you can get a dental implant. Just being a type 1 diabetic is not a contra-indication for getting dental implants. However, you are at a higher risk. You will need extra diagnostic tests in order to identify special risk factors. Additionally, you will want an extra level of attention throughout your procedure. Don’t let your dentist skimp on these, especially the CT scan. They can help give you the best outcome for your situation.

Though you can have this done, I do not recommend you use your current dentist for this procedure. He is obviously is uncomfortable and you don’t want to use a dentist who is out of his comfort zone, especially when you are a higher risk patient. While there isn’t a recognized specialty in implant dentistry specifically, a prosthodontist has advanced training that many other dentists will not have, so I would start there.

There is one other important thing to note. If they refer you to an oral surgeon, make certain that it is the dentist who decides on the placement of the implants and not the surgeon. This is important.

Cosmetic Considerations with Dental Implants

The crown for your dental implants can be made to match your teeth perfectly. However, it is helpful to be aware that the coloring is permanent. If you decide sometime later to have teeth whitening done, your natural tooth structure will whiten but not your implant crown. That will have to be re-done in order to match.

Because of that, if you are considering having whitening done at some point, it will save you money to get it done ahead of the implant. If you are content with the whiteness of your teeth than you can move forward without whitening.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado.

Multiple Dental Allergies

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I have multiple allergies to dental materials including dental cement, formaldehyde, cobalt, chromium, titanium, and many chemicals. I have a significant amount of dental work I need done, but I need a dentist willing to work around my allergies. What is the best way to go about finding a dentist who is familiar with Type IV allergies?

Pam

Dear Pam,

woman holding aloe plant in her palms

This is a tricky one. While some of your allergies are common, you have others, such as the allergy to titanium, that are quite rare. I think it would be better for you if you changed what you’re looking for in the dentist. Instead of looking for a dentist familiar with type IV allergies, I’d look for a holistic dentist. These dentists have a philosophy of treating the whole body and not just the teeth. They will be much more willing to work around your allergies. You can try doing an internet search using the term holistic dentist. If that doesn’t turn anything up, call around and see which dentists consider the results of Cliffords tests. If they take that seriously, they’ll work with you. If they don’t, they honestly will not be the best dentist for you.

You said you needed a significant amount of dental work but didn’t say what you needed done. Here are some of the metal free services available with the right dentist:

Mercury-free fillings. The old silver amalgam fillings have tons of metals in them, so you’ll want to avoid those at all costs. A mercury-free dentist will offer composite fillings, which is metal-free.
All-porcelain crowns. Some dentists will do porcelain fused to metal crown. Make sure you don’t get one with a metal base.
Zirconia implants. If you need to replace a tooth, dental implants are the best replacement. Traditionally, they are made from titanium. Given your allergy, that won’t work. Fortunately, we now have zirconia available as an option for implants. Not every dentist is using them yet, but I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado.

A Collapsed Bite

Posted on March 7, 2021 by Annmarie Worthington.

I would like to see if there is a way to fix my smile. I am thinking it might need porcelain veneers, but thought I’d check first. When my mouth is in repose you cannot see my teeth at all. Even when I am smiling, I have to sort of force my lips to make my teeth show. It’s very embarrassing to me. At night I wear a mouthguard because of pain in my jaw from clenching and my face and mouth both feel and look better when I do. Are veneers my best option or should I look at something else?

Kaelyn

Dear Kaelyn,

Woman covering her mouth with her hand

I am very glad you wrote now, before you had any work done. It is all too often that people end up writing after they went to the wrong dentist to get this fixed and their mouth is now a disaster. Based on your description, it sounds like you have combining factors of some TMJ disorder along with a collapsed bite.

Porcelain veneers alone will not fix this. You will need at least some dental crowns to help open up your bite. However, you are looking at a very advanced procedure. This is one of the toughest cases a dentist can do and it will take some advanced, post-doctoral training. I want you to look for a dentist with full-mouth reconstruction experience.

You may want to look for a prosthodontist. They have more advanced training in dental reconstruction and will make sure your bite is in proper alignment throughout the procedure.

This blog is brought to you by San Antonio Dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado.