Effects of Glycemic Control on Soft Tissue Wound Healing around Dental Implants for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of glycemic status on soft tissue wound healing following dental implant placement. A total of 164 edentulous patients with HbA1c levels up to 11.5% received two mandibular transmucosal dental implants. Patients’ self-reported pain (VAS and # days with pain) and soft tissue healing (edema, erythema, exudate, oral pain, flap closure, infection, and hematoma) were evaluated one week after placement. HbA1c and diabetes status were not significantly associated with any soft tissue healing complications. Pain_VAS was significantly correlated with Edema, Infection, Days in Pain and Oral Pain. Flap Closure was correlated with Oral Pain. Infection was correlated with Oral Pain and Days_Pain. Stepwise regression also identified HbA1c as significantly contributing to the VAS pain score. The findings of this study clarify the low risk for post-surgical healing complications independent of poor glycemic control, extending the opportunities for dental implant therapy for patients with diabetes.