Prevalence and impact of systemic conditions on dental implant therapy: A retrospective study

Abstract Introduction: Dental implant treatment is a widely used approach for replacing missing teeth, but its success can be influenced by the several factors including the patient’s systemic health status. Aims: This retrospective study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of medical conditions in patients presenting for dental implant treatment. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 156 patients evaluated for dental implant treatment between January 2015 and December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The inclusion criteria ensured the complete medical records and eligibility for dental implant procedures, while exclusion criteria eliminated incomplete records or cases where treatment was not pursued. Data collection included demographic characteristics, smoking and alcohol use, medical history (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis), and dental implant details such as planned sites and preoperative treatments. Statistical analyses involved descriptive statistics, subgroup comparisons, and logistic regression to assess the association between the medical conditions and implant complications. Interaction effects of combined medical conditions were also evaluated. Results: The study found a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (28.8%) and diabetes (22.4%) among patients-seeking dental implant treatment. Osteoporosis was present in 12.8% of patients, with a significant gender disparity ( P = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, P = 0.01) and osteoporosis (OR = 2.7, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with higher risks of dental implant complications. Discussion: This retrospective study aimed to assess the prevalence and impact of medical conditions in patients awaiting dental implant treatment. With 156 patients, the study revealed a high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, significant gender differences in osteoporosis prevalence, and notable associations between diabetes and osteoporosis with dental implant complications. Conclusion: The present study evaluates the impact of medical conditions on dental implant complications and was assessed using the logistic regression analysis. Diabetes was associated with higher odds of complications, indicating that diabetic patients have more than twice the risk of experiencing complications compared to nondiabetic patients. Osteoporosis also significantly increased the risk of complications, suggesting a need for enhanced bone health management in these patients. This study highlights the importance of comprehensive preoperative assessments and personalized treatment plans for patients undergoing dental implant therapy. Understanding the prevalence and impact of medical conditions on dental implant outcomes is crucial for optimizing patient care and improving implant treatment success.