Can Diabetic Patients Get Cosmetic Dental Procedures?

People with diabetes have a higher risk of infection and a slower healing rate than most, so seeing a dentist is a little different for diabetics.

Firstly, it’s vital you tell your dentist about having diabetes. You’ll be able to work with him to have the best oral care possible.

If you have diabetes, you may certainly have cosmetic dental procedures – you should try to have your blood sugar levels well controlled during the procedure. If your blood sugar is out of whack it has a debilitating effect on your white blood cells, which fight off bacterial infections. So, as a diabetic, you are at a higher risk of these oral conditions:

• Gum disease;
• Dry mouth;
• Burning tongue or mouth;
• Poor healing after procedures; and
• Thrush (or yeast infections).

Knowing about your diabetes, your dentist will more than likely ask you how your blood sugar levels are at every visit. Visiting him/her more often might be a good idea. Your dentist will be able to see whether you have any signs of early gum disease or any other issues that might be taken care of before they could present a more serious issue.

Help With Other Conditions

If you do have any other conditions more common in folks with diabetes like dry mouth, your dentist will be able to provide you with help there, too. Not having enough saliva in your mouth may increase the likelihood of tooth decay and it’s not the most pleasant thing either. It has been well documented that diabetics are more prone to severe periodontal disease. Also, gum disease can adversely affect diabetes, worsening blood glucose levels, leading to diabetic complications.

Your Dentist Is Your Best Friend

Diabetics are twice as likely than the norm to die of a heart attack if they have severe periodontitis and more than eight times higher than average of developing kidney disease. Add to that, the likelihood of your condition worsening with decreased oral care. So, seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups is absolutely necessary – especially so for diabetics.

Your dentist may suggest scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning that clears bacteria and plaque both above and below your gum line. If needed, he/she may suggest antibiotic therapy and map out an oral hygiene self-care plan for you.

Dr. David Silberman and his expert team will be able to give you a complete rundown of what your oral care should consist of. Give his office a call for a consultation regarding your oral health.