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Contraindications to implantology
There are certain medical contraindications to implant therapy, as complications that may arise can be serious or even fatal in certain conditions. Contraindications may be classified into three categories:
- Absolute contraindications: dental implants cannot be considered;
- Relative contraindications: dental implants may be considered only after a specific problem has been solved;
- Local contraindications: dental implants may be considered by taking extra precautions regarding problems involving the mouth or jaws.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most frequent local, relative and absolute contraindications. It includes information about the risks of dental implants under these conditions, as well as possible solutions. It is worth noting that only a specialist can accurately assess the eligibility of a patient for dental implants, according to the information collected during the initial consultation with the patient (including known contraindications).
Major allergies
(specifically to the anesthetic used during surgery)
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Important post-operative swelling;
- Anaphylactic shock
- Death
Solutions :
- Finding an anesthetic tolerated by the patient.
- Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Young age
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Not enough space to insert the implant in the alveolar bone;
- Insufficient space for the artificial crown of the implant;
- Having to redo the procedure when growth is completed.
Solutions:
- Wait until the growth of the jaws is completed (at the age of 17 or 18);
- Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Note: An advanced age does not pose problems if the patient is healthy.
Patients with a medical condition requiring organ transplant
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Post-operative infection due to long-term treatment with anti-rejection drugs that suppress or slow down the immune system;
- Osseointegration failure.
Solutions:
Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Autoimmune diseases like AIDS or patient whose immune system is weakened or suppressed
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Osseointegration failure.
- Post-operative infection.
Solutions:
Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Osteoporosis and other bone diseases
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Osseointegration failure.
- Premature loss of the implant.
- Fracture of the jaw.
Solutions:
Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Cancer
Cancer that is not in remission, has been treated with bisphosphonates or required radiotherapy treatments in the jaw area is a contraindication.
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Osseointegration failure.
- Post-operative infection.
- Altered or slow healing.
Solutions:
- Cancer with radiation therapy: use strict asepsis during the procedure, under general anesthesia, and work together with the radiotherapy team.
- Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
Cardiovascular disease (e.g.: recent myocardial infarction, valvular disease, heart failure)
Type: absolute
Risks:
- Death
Solutions:
Finding an alternative to conventional dental implants.
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