Chengdu
Gum Care & Implants at West China

Endocrinology review

Before any dental treatment, so the dentist knows how well your diabetes is controlled.

• Consultation with an endocrinologist, with an interpreter
• Blood tests such as HbA1c, fasting glucose and kidney function
• Review of your medicines and how to take them around dental appointments
• Written summary for the dentist and for your doctor at home

Dental examination & plan

Nothing is treated until the plan and price are confirmed in writing.

• Examination by a specialist dentist, including gum pocket measurements
• Panoramic X-ray, or a CBCT 3D scan if implants are being considered
• Written treatment plan with materials and itemised price
• Chance to ask questions and say no before treatment starts

Gum (periodontal) treatment

Deep cleaning below the gum line, spread over the trip.

• Scaling and root planing under local anaesthetic, usually in two or more sessions
• Morning appointments, after your usual breakfast and medicines
• Home-care instruction: brushing, cleaning between the teeth
• Plan for a gum re-check about two to three months later, at home or on a return trip

Implant surgery (trip 1)

Booked only once the surgeon is satisfied with your glucose control and gum health.

• Gum disease treated first if the examination finds it
• Implant placement under local anaesthetic; brand named in your quote
• Antibiotics only if the surgeon judges them necessary
• Wound check, glucose check-ins and a review before you fly

Final crown (trip 2)

After the implant has healed, usually three to six months later; sometimes longer.

• Check of the implant and an X-ray
• Digital scan or impression for the crown
• Crown fitted and bite adjusted
• Maintenance plan: cleaning every three to six months at home

Records & handover

So your dentist and your diabetes doctor at home both know what was done.

• Written summary in English of the dental and endocrinology visits
• X-rays, scans and blood test results to take home
• Implant brand, model and size recorded where relevant
• Follow-up video call with your coordinator after you return

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Pandas, including cubs in season, in a large wooded park on the city's northern edge.

Tip: Arrive at opening time, when the pandas are feeding and most active.

People's Park teahouse

An open-air teahouse under the trees where locals play mahjong, have their ears cleaned and drink tea for hours.

Tip: Unsweetened green or jasmine tea is a good drink for blood sugar; skip the sweet snacks.

Wenshu Monastery

A working Buddhist monastery with quiet courtyards, a vegetarian restaurant and a teahouse.

Tip: The vegetarian restaurant serves soft tofu dishes, ideal after dental treatment.

Kuanzhai Xiangzi

Restored Qing-dynasty lanes of courtyard houses, now filled with cafés and shops.

Tip: Best in the early evening, after a rest.

Eating after treatment

Soft food, but not only rice. Plain rice congee and noodles raise blood sugar quickly; add egg, tofu, fish or soft vegetables, and keep to your usual meal times so your medicines still match what you eat.

Checking glucose

Check more often in the days after treatment. Pain or infection can push glucose up, while eating less than usual can bring it down. Carry glucose tablets or juice for lows, and follow your own diabetes team's sick-day advice.

Watching the wound

Some swelling and tenderness are normal. Swelling that gets worse after the third day, pus, fever or a bad taste can mean infection, which can move faster with diabetes. Tell your coordinator straight away.

Walking & your feet

Walking after meals helps blood sugar, and these routes are planned around flat, easy walks. Wear comfortable shoes you've already broken in, and check your feet each evening if you have neuropathy.