November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!

At The Dental Specialists, our team knows the way you care for your teeth at home doesn’t just affect your oral health – it can impact your overall health as well. In recent years, researchers have found clear links between the mouth and other parts of the body, and the evidence is especially impactful for people with diabetes.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our Merrit Island office for regular check-ups and cleanings. Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but those folks living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure their dental health remains in top shape. Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients. Drs. Williams, Jason Ouellette, Jonathan Ouellette and our experts can tell you how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give our Merrit Island office a call or ask us on Facebook!

Dental Implants for Patients with Diabetes

Our team understands dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, dental implants are recommended as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, we recommend putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.
Otherwise, feel free to give The Dental Specialists a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

A great article about changes in dentistry, from the Dental Specialists

The world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! We read an article from the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Ouellette or Dr. Jason Ouellette to discuss your implant options.