Can You Get Dental Implants with Medical Conditions? A Clear Answer

In the video above, Dr. Soren Paape of Smile Now addresses a common question: Can you still get dental implants with medical conditions?

It’s a question we hear all the time. Maybe you have diabetes, heart issues, or high blood pressure. Or perhaps you’ve just been told by another office that you’re not a good candidate for dental implants. Today, we want to clear the air and give you a straight answer. Having medical issues does not automatically disqualify you from getting a healthy, confident smile, and we’ll explain why.

The Short Answer: Yes, If Your Condition is Controlled

We treat patients every day at Smile Now who have chronic conditions and go on to have safe, successful dental implant procedures. The key isn’t whether you have a specific diagnosis; it’s whether that condition is controlled and stable.

Our team doesn’t look for “perfect” patients. We look for safe, manageable candidates. If needed, we will work closely with your primary care doctor or specialist to ensure you are cleared for treatment and that we have a plan that prioritizes your overall health.

How We Approach Dental Implants with Medical Conditions

Our clinical team has extensive experience navigating various health concerns. Here’s a look at some of the most common medical conditions we see in our dental implant patients and how we approach them safely.

• Diabetes: If your blood sugar is well-managed, you can absolutely be a candidate. We monitor healing closely and may create a modified aftercare plan, but many of our diabetic patients do just fine with implants.
• Heart Disease or High Blood Pressure: As long as your condition is stable and you are cleared by your cardiologist, implant surgery is generally very safe. We may adjust sedation options or medication protocols to fit your specific needs.
• Osteoporosis: This condition does not automatically rule you out. Our dentists will use 3D scans to evaluate your bone structure and adjust the surgical plan. The main consideration is if you are taking certain IV bisphosphonates, which we will discuss with you.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders are common. We simply take extra precautions to support your healing process and avoid complications, but they don’t typically exclude you from getting implants.

When Do We Need to Slow Down and Plan?

While most controlled conditions are manageable, some situations require us to slow down and plan more carefully. This doesn’t mean the answer is “no” – it just means we need a more detailed strategy. The conversation is never a hard stop; it’s always, “Let’s figure out the safest way to move forward.”

Some of these cases include:

• Patients on Blood Thinners: Your medication may need to be adjusted by your doctor before surgery.
• History of Radiation: If you’ve had radiation therapy to the jaw, it requires a more complex surgical plan.
• Immune-Suppressing Drugs: For patients on certain medications, we will coordinate directly with your prescribing doctor to ensure safety.

Why Choose Smile Now for Medically Complex Dental Implant Cases?

Many offices simply don’t have the tools or training to treat patients with medical complexity. At Smile Now, we specialize in full-arch dental implant cases, including those with chronic medical conditions. Our approach is designed to provide safe, predictable outcomes.

We use advanced imaging to minimize risk and plan every procedure with precision. A significant advantage is that all of our procedures are done in-house, under one roof. This means nothing gets lost in translation between different offices or providers. Our team has deep experience working alongside your medical team if needed, so you don’t have to bounce between providers or guess whether you’re a candidate. We will give you the real answer and a real plan.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

Here’s what happens when you come to Smile Now with medical concerns. We’re not just restoring teeth; we’re restoring health, function, and confidence, and we take that very seriously. Our process is transparent and thorough.

1. Free Consultation & 3D Scan:
   We start with a free consultation, a full health history, and a 3D scan.
2. Identify & Coordinate:
   We use this information to identify any areas that need extra coordination or clearance from your medical doctor.
3. Personalized Treatment Plan:
   We develop a personalized treatment plan with your safety and long-term success in mind.
4. Follow-Through:
   Our team follows through with you every step of the way.

Take the Next Step with Confidence

If you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for dental implants because of a medical condition, or you’re just unsure what’s possible, we’d love to help.

Contact Smile Now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll look at your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps with confidence.