I have type 1 diabetes and need to replace a tooth. My dentist suggested a dental bridge, but that means grinding down two healthy teeth. I can tell he’s trying to discourage me from getting the dental implant. Is that because of my diabetes? If so, is there any way around that? Maybe some special procedure?

Janessa

Dear Janessa,

Having Type 1 diabetes shouldn’t disqualify you from having a dental implant, as long as there aren’t other complicating issues with it. I wouldn’t pressure your dentist into doing the procedure though. Many times, when a dentist is steering a patient in another direction, it usually means they don’t feel comfortable doing the procedure. Rather than tell the patient that, they steer them toward something they are comfortable doing.

With Type 1 diabetes, there are two important factors. The first is the dentist. You want to make sure they have advanced post-doctoral training in dental implants and occlusal studies. For instance, Dr. Rothwell has done continued training with the famed Pankey Institute, the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and is an accredited dentist with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Ask them where they did their post-doctoral implant training. Then ask them what their success rate is. You want a minimum of 95%.

In addition to the dentist’s training, I would make sure there are careful diagnostics done before the procedure as well as continued monitoring throughout. That would include 3-dimensional diagnostics, like a CT scan. Don’t let them cut corners on this.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.