Indications and Contraindications

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 and 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 whether 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.