Effects of Dental Implants on Diabetic Patients

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition which produces an inflammatory response in hosts leading to accelerated periodontal destruction and subsequent tooth loss. There is substantial evidence of a dose-response relationship between glycemic control and periodontal health in diabetes. Diabetes and edentulism are especially found to coexist in the elderly. Edentulism in diabetic individuals restricts dietary choices causing reduced consumption of nutrient-dense foods in favor of a soft, starch rich diet. Dental implants restore functional tooth loss, enhancing chewing ability and comfort, speaking ability and facial appearance, consequently improving patient satisfaction and oral health related quality of life. Peri-implant disease is an important consideration in dental implant maintenance therapy in diabetic individuals due to slow wound healing, and increased susceptibility to microbial plaque accumulation and periodontal inflammation. There is evidence of improved glycemic control after insertion of dental implants due to improved masticatory function allowing stimulation of satiety centers in the brain as well as improved nutrition from selection of healthier dietary choices in patients undergoing dietary counseling. Current literature supports the use of implant supported dentures in diabetic patients experiencing poor tissue health and treatment satisfaction despite conventional denture therapy.