Dental implant placement in type II diabetics: a review of the literature

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus was once considered a contraindication to the use of dental implant therapy as it has been associated with comorbidities, including increased susceptibility to infection, impaired wound healing, and periodontitis. Since dental implants and techniques for controlling diabetes have evolved, dental implant therapy has become increasingly common among patients with diabetes. The rising success of dental implants, along with the realized benefits of implant therapy has shifted current trends to accommodate patients with controlled diabetes as good candidates for treatment. The literature currently suggests that successful treatment results can be attained when placing implants on carefully selected patients with glycosylated hemoglobin levels (HbA1C) less than 8 percent and with possible prophylactic antibiotic administration. This review aims to compile and critically evaluate the current literature for placement of dental implants in patients with diabetes.