Managing diabetes successfully requires more than just making dietary changes. In fact, most diabetics must make changes in many other areas of their life in order to limit the risk of complications caused by this disease. Because the diabetic dental patient can have a heightened risk of infection, invasive dental care procedures needed for good oral health must be properly managed. If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with diabetes, the following information will help reduce your risk of complications when undergoing common invasive dental care procedures.

Why does having diabetes increase the risk of infection during invasive dental procedures?

Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, affect the blood glucose levels and the way your body metabolizes it. In addition, it also affects vascular health, and impairs the body's ability to fight any infections that might result from the procedure, as well as hampering the healing process afterward. Because there is less risk involved in any invasive procedure when the diabetes is under control, your dentist may suggest that any potentially invasive procedures, such as extractions, implants or other types of oral surgery be postponed until your newly diagnosed diabetic condition is under control and your blood glucose levels are testing within normal ranges.

Are insulin injections problematic for the diabetic patient when having invasive dental procedures?

If you have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and are receiving insulin injections, you may be at an increased risk for experiencing a hypoglycemic episode when given some types of anesthesia commonly used in dental procedures. For this reason, your dentist may schedule some types of dental care procedures to be done during morning appointments when cortisol and blood glucose levels are usually highest. It is important that you do not skip meals before these morning dental appointments in order to avoid dangerous drops in your blood glucose levels that could create additional risks during your dental procedure.

How can diabetic dental patients lessen their risk of complications and infections?

The best way for diabetic patients to avoid complications from any type of dental work is to work carefully with both their regular doctor and their family dentist. By doing this, you can make sure that your diabetes is carefully monitored and any insulin or medications needed are being prescribed at the correct levels. In addition to this, it is equally important to work carefully with the dentist to develop a good dental care regimen, including brushing, flossing and preventative care.

Speak to a professional like Stephen J Vanyo DMD PA for more help. 

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