Diabetes is frequently regarded by patients as an absolute barrier to implant treatment. The evidence indicates a more precise position: control matters, diagnosis alone does not.
What the evidence shows
Studies consistently find implant survival in patients with well-controlled diabetes comparable to that in non-diabetic patients. Diabetes per se is not a contraindication.
Poorly controlled diabetes is a different matter, and is associated with delayed healing, increased infection risk and higher early failure rates.
The threshold that matters
Glycated haemoglobin is the relevant measure, reflecting control over the preceding months rather than a single reading. Values within the well-controlled range are generally regarded as compatible with routine implant treatment.
Where control is poor, deferring surgery until it improves is a clinical decision rather than a refusal, and frequently the improvement is achievable within a few months.
Periodontal considerations
The relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease is bidirectional, and patients with diabetes carry increased susceptibility to peri-implantitis over the long term.
This argues for shorter maintenance intervals rather than against treatment, and for prosthetic designs that permit thorough cleaning.
Practical implications for planning
Recent glycated haemoglobin results should be provided during assessment. Coordination with the treating physician forms part of appropriate planning, and healing intervals may reasonably be extended.
For patients travelling for treatment, this is worth establishing before flights are booked rather than on arrival.
Bring recent blood results to the assessment. Well-controlled diabetes rarely alters what is possible; it alters the monitoring, and occasionally the timing.
To determine whether this procedure is indicated in your particular case, we invite you to request a clinical assessment.
