These days, there are many options for replacing missing teeth beyond just dentures. However, many people still rely upon dentures—and with good reason. They're an affordable and easy replacement to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. And if you have diabetes, they're likely the best choice for you. If you're wondering how a blood sugar condition could impact a tooth replacement method, here's what you should know.

Potential Tooth Loss

One of the issues with diabetes is that it increases the risk of you developing gum disease and losing teeth. In fact, it's possible that diabetes played a role in your need for a dental replacement in the first place.

Unfortunately, this becomes a problem with both dental bridges and dental implants. Dental bridges rely on neighboring teeth or individual dental implants to act as the anchor for the bridge on either side. This can put wear and tear on remaining teeth under normal circumstances, but if you don't have good oral health because of diabetes, the risk of losing those supporting teeth increases. Most dentists will look to dental implants to act as support for the bridge if they feel that someone's teeth are too fragile to support it, but there's a problem for you there, too.

The Dangers of Surgical Procedures

As you may have learned from your general physician, diabetes can impact your body's ability to repair itself and heal from injuries and infections. This means that most doctors prefer for their patients to avoid going under the knife when possible if they have diabetes. While the incisions made in your gums and jaw bone are much smaller for dental implants than for major medical procedures, the same principle still applies. Your gums may not heal around the implant, leading to the rejection of the implant. This means that both standard dental implants and an implant-supported bridge aren't good choices for you.

The great news here is that dentures don't rely upon any kind of bridges or implants. Your dentist will arrange for a comfortable, custom-made pair of dentures for you, which can then be put in place with adhesive and nothing else. There are no cuts or incisions made in your gums, no strain on any remaining teeth you may have, and you'll end up with a full, healthy-looking smile. Having more options is always a plus, and visiting a denture service—such as Pioneer Denture Clinic—can help you to determine if dentures are the right option for you.

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