Diabetes and periodontal disease are two conditions that have been studied since the beginning of the need of periodontal medicine. While progress has been made in clarifying the link between them, the results of many studies are still contradictory. In this review, an overview of the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical features of diabetes is delivered. Chicago periodontics has helped thousands of patients get the smiles they always wanted. However, the biggest asset the clinic gives its patients: information.
We will investigate three highly relevant questions in periodontics and implantology:
- What is the effect of diabetes on the development of periodontal disease?
- How to identify a patient with high periodontal damage, and can it be used as an indicator of diabetes?
- What is the impact of periodontal therapy on the development and metabolic control in diabetes?
Effects of Diabetes on Periodontal Disease
Several studies have assessed the potential impact of diabetes on the periodontal tissue. Most of them show that chronic hyperglycemia can significantly alter oral health. Loss of periodontal attachment appears to be closely linked to the metabolic control of diabetes. Thus the presence of poor disease control, as measured by plasma levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was associated with higher prevalence, severity and extent of periodontal disease.
Can Periodontal Damage be an Indicator for Diabetes?
Currently, diabetes is considered a relative contraindication for the installation of osseo-integrated implants, depending on the patient’s control of glycemia. Periodontal repair in diabetic patients, particularly in conditions of poor metabolic control of the disease, also shows significant deficiencies. Consistent with these associations, hyperglycemia can cause defects in the bone formation and implant integration. Furthermore, when analyzing the results of the installation of implants in humans, results showed variations between 0 and 15% of reduced bone formation in the presence of diabetes.
Therapy Effect Concerning the Evolution of Diabetes
The first studies to show treatment effects in periodontal disease concerning diabetes showed that the treatment of periodontitis in Chicago was able to reduce HbA1c levels. It is possible that these metabolic control levels are due to the heterogeneity of the populations that have been studied. On the other hand, the evidence to date suggests that the treatment of periodontal disease can help control blood sugar levels. However, the magnitude and clinical significance of this effect still requires new and better studies. For more information about periodontics and diabetes, contact Chicago periodontics today.
