Diabetes affects blood circulation and delays wound healing. That’s why people with diabetes have to be cautious when looking into surgical procedures like dental implants. This is one concern most of our Alaskan patients have. 

The good news is you don’t have to compromise your oral health. There are many benefits to getting an implant that greatly affects your quality of life, oral health, and confidence. With proper management and the right team, many diabetics can successfully get dental implants. 

btyDENTAL has some of the best implant dentists in Alaska. We’ve been selected as the best dental practice in AK for nine years straight by our community. So, if you’re diabetic and looking to get a procedure, our team of experts will guide you every step of the way. 

Schedule an appointment with us today about getting an implant! 

If you want an in-depth look at what to expect, this guide will help you get an idea of what your insurance can cover, the risks, and if you can be eligible for a dental implant procedure.

How Diabetes Affects Dental Implant Success

Dental implants are one of the most reliable ways to replace missing teeth, but if you have diabetes, you may have some unique concerns. Each individual is different but having diabetes can affect your implant procedure in the following ways:

Healing and Recovery

Dental implants require surgery, and your body needs to heal properly for the implant to bond with the bone (a process called osseointegration). Diabetes can slow down healing, which means it may take longer for your mouth to recover after implant placement.

Risk of Infection

High blood sugar levels can weaken your immune system. This increases the risk of infections in the gums and bone after implant surgery, especially if diabetes isn’t well-managed.

Bone and Gum Health

Diabetes is closely linked to gum disease and bone loss. Both of these conditions can make it harder for an implant to stay stable. A dentist will always check the health of your gums and jawbone before moving forward.

Dental Implant Success Rates in Diabetic Patients

According to a study published in the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, the success rate of dental implants in patients with well or fairly controlled diabetes ranged between 85.5% to 100% and were comparable to non-diabetic patients. 

For patients with poorly controlled diabetes, it’s best to wait until blood sugar levels are under control before moving forward with dental implants. But as mentioned, each individual is different and implant eligibility varies, even for patients with similar blood sugar levels. 

The best way to ensure that you’re eligible is to contact your local implant dentist. If you’re looking for a clinic that can check eligibility for you, btyDENTAL has multiple locations in Alaska so you can find an office closer to you. Check out our locations here. 

What Diabetic Patients Need to Know Before Getting Implants

If you have diabetes and are considering dental implants, preparation is just as important as the procedure itself. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Blood Sugar Control Comes First

Your dentist will likely check with your physician to make sure your A1C levels are in a safe range (ideally below 7%). Well-controlled diabetes is the biggest factor in whether your implants heal successfully.

2. Healthy Gums and Bone Are Essential

Because diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease and bone loss, your dentist will examine your gums and jawbone to confirm they’re strong enough to support an implant. In some cases, a bone graft may be recommended first.

3. Healing Takes Commitment

Dental implants require multiple steps and follow-up visits. If you live outside major cities in Alaska, plan ahead for travel to Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau where specialists are most available.

4. Medications and Medical History Matter

Always share a complete medical history with your dentist, including medications for diabetes or other conditions, since some can affect healing or increase infection risk.

5. Oral Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable

Meticulous brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are critical to protect your implants, especially for diabetic patients who already face a higher risk of gum diseases.

Insurance and Financing Options for Dental Implants in Alaska

One of the biggest questions patients ask about dental implants is: “How much will a dental implant cost and will my insurance cover it?” For Alaskans with diabetes, the financial side is just as important as the medical side. Here’s what you need to know:

Does Insurance Cover Implants?

Alaska Medicaid (DenaliCare and Denali KidCare) provides coverage for medically necessary dental services such as exams, cleanings, fillings, and extractions. However, dental implants are considered elective and are not covered.

Private insurance plans like Premera Blue Cross, Moda Health, and Delta Dental of Alaska generally do not fully cover implants either. What they may cover are parts of the procedure, such as the extraction, bone grafting, or the crown that attaches to the implant.

In some cases, patients who qualify for VA benefits or tribal health services may receive assistance through the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), the Indian Health Service (IHS), or veteran programs, depending on eligibility.

Financing Options

Because implants are rarely fully covered by insurance, many Alaskans rely on financing to make treatment more affordable. Some dental practices in Anchorage and Fairbanks offer in-house payment plans that let patients spread the cost of their procedure in installments.

Others work with third-party financing companies like CareCredit or Cherry, which are specifically designed for healthcare and dental costs. In addition, certain clinics may partner with dental discount programs to help lower the overall expense of major procedures like implants.

Why This Matters for Diabetic Patients

For diabetic patients, financial planning becomes even more important. Because diabetes can increase the risk of complications, a dentist may recommend additional procedures such as bone grafting or more frequent follow-up care.

Insurance may cover some extra services, but it’s always wise to verify benefits in advance. btyDENTAL handles all verification checks before your appointment. Our team can give you a clear understanding of what you’re covered for and what your out-of-pocket costs are. 

Risks and Considerations for Diabetic Patients in Alaska

While dental implants are possible for patients with diabetes, there are some unique risks and factors to keep in mind before moving forward.

Higher Risk of Infection

Because diabetes can weaken the immune system, patients may be more prone to gum or bone infections after implant surgery. This makes good blood sugar control and follow-up care especially important.

Slower Healing

Healing around the implant depends on healthy circulation and strong bone support. Diabetes can slow down this process, which means recovery may take longer compared to patients without diabetes.

Gum Disease and Bone Loss

Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, which can lead to bone loss in the jaw. Both conditions can reduce the stability of an implant. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your gums and bone before recommending treatment.

Lifestyle Factors

Habits like smoking, combined with diabetes, significantly raise the chance of implant failure. If you smoke, your dentist may recommend quitting before moving forward.

Access to Care in Alaska

For Alaskans living outside Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau, traveling for specialist visits may be necessary. Because diabetic patients often require more frequent monitoring, it’s important to plan ahead for follow-up appointments and make sure travel arrangements are manageable.

Alternatives to Dental Implants for Diabetic Patients

Dental implants are often considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, but they aren’t the only option. For some diabetic patients, especially those with uncontrolled blood sugar, bone loss, or other health challenges, alternative treatments may be a better fit.

Fixed Dental Bridges

A bridge is a non-removable option that uses the neighboring teeth for support. Unlike implants, a bridge does not require surgery, which makes it a lower-risk option for patients who may have slower healing times or difficulty with surgical recovery.

Removable Dentures

Full or partial dentures are a more affordable alternative. They do not involve surgery and can be made relatively quickly. While they may not feel as natural as implants, they can restore function and appearance with less medical risk.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients who are healthy enough for limited implant surgery, implant-supported dentures offer a middle ground. Instead of placing an implant for every missing tooth, just two to four implants can anchor a denture, providing more stability than traditional removable dentures.

If you want to know more about it, contact our team today and we’ll be happy to walk you through all of your options for implant alternatives.  

Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Smile

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the benefits of dental implants. With good blood sugar control, careful planning, and the right dental team, implants can be a safe, lasting solution for replacing missing teeth.

At btyDENTAL Alaska, our team works closely with patients to evaluate candidacy, review insurance and financing options, and create personalized treatment plans. Whether you’re in Anchorage or traveling in from another part of AK, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Schedule an appointment with btyDENTAL today!