ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of dental prosthesis and related complications, and assessment of the progress rate and result of dental caries in diabetic patients.

Dental disease consultation records of 82 diabetic patients were collected (59 females) and the results were discussed in comparison with the dental examination results obtained from the same aged non-diabetics 25 individuals (14 females).

The average age of patients was 47.7±12.3, with no significant gender related differences (p= 0.204). 12 patients (%14.6) had total dental prosthesis and 11 patients (%13.4) had partial dental prosthesis. It was found that diabetics have a worse oral prosthesis adaptation, and also a higher prevalence of infection and oral ulceration in comparison with non-diabetics (r= 0.112, p<0.05). In addition, a high incidence of oral dehydration (n= 64, 78%, r= 0.204, p<0.06) in diabetic patients was considered as a reason for these complications. It was determined that in diabetic patients, incidence of dental and gingival infection (r= 0.104, p0.01), delayed recovery (r= 0.102, p<0.05), and incidence of recurrence in infection (r= 0.154, p<0.05) was significantly higher than in non-diabetics. Furthermore, it was found that the incidence of dental caries and the progress rate of caries was higher in diabetics (p<0.06).

It was concluded from the data that incidence of dental caries, gingival diseases and dental prosthesis complications in diabetics were found to be higher in comparison with non-diabetics and after the provision of complete oral hygiene, and such complications can be reduced.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, gingival diseases, dental prosthesis, periodontitis, gingivitis, oral hygiene