Dental management considerations for the patient with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, or DM, in the United States is increasing steadily. The increasing longevity of the American population and more effective diagnostic protocols mean that the dental practitioner will be treating an increasing number of patients with the disease.

METHODS: The authors present relevant information about DM, including a recently revised nomenclature system, pathophysiology, complications, new diagnostic criteria, medical and dental management considerations, and associated oral conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: There are many important medical and dental management issues that dentists should consider when treating patients with DM.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The information presented in this report should help general dentists deliver optimum treatment to patients with DM.