The American Dental Association estimates that 12 to 14 million people, or one-third of the population in the United States, have diabetes, but only one-half of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes.

Before development of dental implants, dentures or bridges were the only alternative to replacing a missing tooth or teeth.

Dental implants are titanium cylinders that can be placed into the jawbone in a minor and relatively painless surgical procedure. For instance, a patient who needs a tooth extracted for any reason today can often have what is called an “immediate implant” placed at the same time of the extraction. Implants are so well designed that they mimic the look and feel of natural teeth.

Not everyone is a candidate for a dental implant, however. For a successful implant to take hold, a candidate must have proper bone density and have a strong immune system. In all cases, dental implants require strict oral hygiene.

Preserving Bone After Tooth Loss

The roots of your teeth are embedded in the upper of lower jaw bone, holding your teeth firmly in the mouth. Teeth can be lost for a number of reasons, including periodontal disease, which may cause bone loss and mobile teeth. Bone loss can cause: loose dentures, which can lead to sore spots, which can lead to the need for dental adhesives. Loss of significant bone can lead to facial structure collapse and even cause painful dentures when the denture rests on the nerve in the lower jaw. One of the major benefits of having dental implants is it actually holds your bone level in place and reduces or eliminates the loss of bone.

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