Hi, I have been a diabetic for 22 years, I am now only 38 years old and have a few serious complications. I have heart disease, Angina and Bad gum disease. I have now been told I have to have all my teeth removed and have dentures fitted as My control is up above 20 on average. I am petrified and scared, Has anyone else been through this process if so I would LOVE to hear from you please
thanks
barrie
Hi barrie,
My name is Dr. Maritza Dominguez, I am a dentist who treats diabetics and I am also a pre-diabetic. I see many patients with diabetes that come to me for a second opinion and that have been told exactly what you have been told.
Gum disease, depending on how severe it is can be treated and sometimes the teeth after treatment can be saved. This can be done in many ways. Unfortunatley, I can't give you specifics because all patients are different but I have done this many times.
Please I urge you to get a second opinion.
Once all the teeth are out you can't put them back.
Patients with diabetes have to be treated totally different than patients without. This is what I love about doing my work.
To me Diabetics are special in that they want to do everything they can to improve their quality of life and that is why I love to treat them. Especially when it comes to compliance.
Compliance as a dentist is one of the most difficult issues to deal with.
Once I finish their gum treatment and they experience how different their mouth feels they become empowered to continue with keeping up with their check-ups and most important their Oral Health.
I could speak about this forever you probably noticed with my post.
Please don't loose hope and don't be discouraged. I am in NJ and I give all new patients a free consultation. Wishing lots of luck and GodBless!