Below you can find a list of conditions or circumstances which might be considered either unfavorable (Contraindications) or favorable (Indications) for Implant Reconstruction. Please keep in mind that a contraindication does not necessarily mean that implants can absolutely not be placed. In our context a contraindication may indicate a less than optimal success rate for Oral Implants!
The Hyperlinks on certain names will take you to the Glossary page, where these terms are explained in more detail.
Contraindications:
Let’s go over the contraindications first. Many patients that seem to have adequate space or bone may not necessarily meet the criteria for optimal candidates for implants:
Patients with endocrine disorders, such as uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus, Pituitary & Adrenal Insufficiency and Hypothyroidism may experience considerable healing problems.
Patients with uncontrolled granulomatous diseases, such as Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis may also have a poor healing response to surgical procedures.
Patients with cardiovascular diseases, such as Arteriosclerosis with angina, Aortitis with marked aortic insufficiency, or Aortic Aneurysms don’t usually have a problem with healing, but may pose a management problem in elective surgeries.
Patients with bone diseases, such as Histiocytosis X, Paget’s Disease and Fibrous Dysplasia may not be good candidates for implants, because there is a higher chance for the implant to fail due to poor “osseointegration”
Finally, patients with uncontrolled hematologic disorders such as Generalized Anemias, Hemophilia (Factor VIII deficiency), Factor IX, X and XII deficiencies and any other acquired coagulation disorders are contraindicated to surgical procedures due to poor hemorrhage control.
A patient who smokes regularly is a definite contraindication! Numerous studies have shown that the success rate of implants drops sharply in heavy smokers.
Indications:
Generally any edentulous (toothless) area can be an indication for dental implants. A decision has to be made weather it is a good idea based on the patients requirements and expectations, the amount of additional procedures required (bone grafting etc.), the doctors skill level and the long term prognosis.
It is generally a good idea to assume that a toothless area can be considered a future implant site, however your doctor will give you better insight as to weather alternative, more conventional treatment options would be a better choice in your individual situation.