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,

 

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.