Diabetes, Gum Disease, Extractions, Please advise!
I posted in the Dental Health area but thought I would post here too. Will try to make a long story short...
My husband was diagnosed 7 years ago (at age 30) with Diabetes Type 2. (he is not overweight, its hereditary). He hasn't done a great job maintaining his Diabetes, but has gotten better in the last few years.
His teeth and gums are in terrible shape. The dentist read him the riot act and said he will lose all his teeth eventually, and implants may not be an option. Right now they said he needs to have 6 teeth pulled. And there are another 3-4 that we will need to watch.
In addition, they said he needs to have Periodontal Surgery on his gums (all 4 quadrants) to stop the damage from getting worse. And then he needs cleanings every 2 months for the rest of his life.
The cost of all of this will be tens of thousands, and not covered by insurance. While we don't want his condition to get worse, we just don't know what to do. Do we trust the dentist and have all that work done? Are there alternatives?
Please please advise!?!