Medical Contraindications to All-on-X Procedure

Are there health conditions that prevent All-on-4 implant surgery? Yes, absolutely. When considering full-arch teeth replacement with dental implants, overall health is a major factor. That’s why our dental specialist in Murrieta carefully evaluates each patient to determine if they’re a good candidate for the procedure. One of the key concerns is whether a patient is medically fit for the procedure. The purpose of this article is to discuss which medical issues might make someone ineligible for the All-on-X dental implant procedure.

Who is not a good candidate for implants?

Can diabetics get All-on-4 dental implants? How does autoimmune disease impact All-on-4 dental implant success? There are many important questions that deserve clear answers. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Uncontrolled diabetes

This is one of the most common medical problems we see in our practice. It is estimated that nearly 40 million people in the US have diabetes, which represents close to 10% of the population. Although having diabetes or being pre-diabetic does not automatically mean that the All-on-X procedure is not a good idea, having UNCONTROLLED diabetes definitely means that it should not be performed.  

Uncontrolled diabetes can make it harder for the body to heal, which includes recovering from dental implant surgery. If a patient’s diabetes isn’t under control, their implants may not heal properly.

How can one find out whether or not diabetes is controlled? Your physician is the best resource in that regard, but a lab test can also offer some useful information. Hemoglobin A1C test (which can be done at the office or in a lab) shows long-term Diabetes control over the 3 months period. If hemoglobin A1c is 7.5 or below, then All-on-X procedure can be done safely and predictably. If it is above that number, then the goal should be to first control the Diabetes, and once it is under control, then the procedure can be done.

History of taking Bisphosphonates

Curious about what medications interfere with All-on-4 implant healing?  Bisphosphonates, commonly prescribed for osteoporosis, can have an impact. These medications, whether taken as a pill or given through an injection, help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures. One of the side effects of these medications is that they negatively affect bone remodeling after dental implant placement. Not only can that lead to dental implants not healing properly but also to more significant issues with jaw bone health after implant placement. Therefore, if the patient is taking these medications, dental implant treatment is not recommended.

History of radiation

Radiation to the head and neck is a common treatment for oral cancer. In patients who underwent radiation, jaw bone loses vascularity and ability to heal well after dental implant placement. Therefore, patients who have had radiation treatment for oral cancer typically aren’t good candidates for dental implants. However, there’s an exception—if a patient has had a bone transplant, usually from their leg, to rebuild their jaw. Since the transplanted bone hasn’t been exposed to radiation, it has a better chance of properly healing around the dental implants.

History of taking immunosuppressive medications

Some (not all) medications used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis may affect the body’s ability to heal after dental implant surgery. If your doctor approves, pausing these medications during the healing period can improve the chances of a successful procedure. If not, dental implant treatment is contraindicated as the patient will not be able to heal the implants successfully.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease affects bone metabolism, which in turn affects the healing of dental implants. In addition, the quality of the bone may be too porous or osteoporotic to allow immediate load of dental implants (temporary teeth may not be able to be attached to the implants on the day of the surgery). Chronic kidney disease can range in severity from Stage I to Stage IV, with the end result of Chronic Kidney Failure requiring dialysis. In the early stages of chronic kidney failure, dental implants may still be an option, but it’s important to consult with the patient’s nephrologist (kidney disease specialist) before moving forward.

Who to turn to for quality All-on-4 or All-on-6 dental implants in Murrieta?

Trying to decide between All-on-4 and All-on-6? Looking for an experienced dental specialist in Murrieta to guide you? If you’re unsure about your options or whether you’re a good candidate, you’re in the right place!  Dr. Tsvetov is here to answer all your questions – whether it’s about using existing implants, dealing with bone loss, or anything else on your mind. Reach out today, and let’s find the best path forward together!