Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The answer is yes; many patients with rheumatoid arthritis successfully receive dental implants. However, the condition does introduce certain risks that require extra planning and care. Patients should both be aware of these considerations and ready to discuss them with their oral surgeon and rheumatologist.
In this guide, you’ll learn how rheumatoid arthritis impacts oral health, who is eligible for dental implants with RA, and how to improve your chances of long-term implant success.
How Does RA Affect Oral Health?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes systemic inflammation, joint pain, and fatigue. Affecting approximately 1.5 million Americans, these symptoms can directly interfere with your ability to maintain oral hygiene and may contribute to other dental issues, including tooth loss.
Maintaining good oral health is particularly challenging for patients with RA due to:
- Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the hands and jaw
- Fatigue, which may reduce consistency with brushing and flossing
- Dry mouth, a side effect of both the condition and common medications
- Weakened immune response, increasing the risk of oral infections
Over time, these factors can lead to gum disease, bone loss, and poor healing, complicating both natural tooth health and dental implant outcomes.
How RA Affects Your Dental Implant Options
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting implants, but it does require a more cautious, personalized approach.
Three reasons that RA patients require extra care include:
- Healing may take longer. RA and certain medications (like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants) can delay tissue recovery after implant surgery.
- Bone quality can be compromised. Some RA patients experience bone loss or reduced bone density, which can affect implant stability.
- Infection risk is higher. A weakened immune system makes it more important to manage post-op healing carefully.
Despite these challenges, many patients with RA experience excellent outcomes when their dental implant care is carefully managed.
In fact, a retrospective study from the University of Vienna found that RA patients had a 100% dental implant survival rate over four years. This proves that dental implant success in RA patients is absolutely possible with the right circumstances—and the right care team.
Which RA Patients Are Good Candidates for Implants?
Whether or not you qualify for dental implants is always based on an individual evaluation. At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons complete a thorough review, assessing your medical history, current overall health, bone health, and how well your RA is managed.
You may be a good candidate for dental implants if:
- Your RA is well-controlled with medication and lifestyle choices
- You have healthy gums and adequate bone in your jaw
- You’re committed to good oral hygiene
Learn more about getting dental implants with bone loss.
Even if you don’t exactly meet all the criteria right now, dental implants may be possible. Your oral surgeon will create a treatment plan that accommodates the complications of your RA. A modified treatment plan for dental implant patients with rheumatoid arthritis could include:
- Pre-treatment antibiotics
- Extended healing time between procedures
- Bone grafting
- Medical coordination with your rheumatologist
These modifications are intended to increase the chances that your dental implants are successful, even with the complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Follow-up appointments and dedication to long-term maintenance are also critical to ensure long-term implant success.
Learn more about bone grafting.
Tips to Improve Your Implant Success with RA
If you’re planning on getting dental implants—or you already have them—these tips can help you maintain strong oral health and reduce complications:
- Use an electric toothbrush for easier brushing with joint pain
- Try a water flosser to clean between teeth and around implants
- Rinse daily with an antimicrobial mouthwash
- Stay hydrated to help reduce dry mouth
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet with calcium and vitamin D
- Keep RA inflammation under control with medication and healthy lifestyle choices
- Schedule routine dental visits for cleanings and checkups
Trusted Dental Implant Care for RA Patients
At Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in NJ, we specialize in personalized care for complex cases, including dental implants for patients with health needs like RA. Our dual-degree, board-certified oral surgeons collaborate closely with your medical providers to create treatment plans that are expertly tailored to your situation.
Thanks to our commitment to compassionate, high quality care, Bergen Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery has been trusted by patients and dentists in Bergen County, NJ for more than 70 years. Our four locations Franklin Lakes, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Westwood also make that care convenient for our patients in Rockland County, NY.
Ready to schedule a consultation? Call or text us at (201) 477-2667 or request an appointment online today.
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FAQ
Below are some of the most common questions we receive from patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are interested in dental implants.
Can you get dental implants if you have an autoimmune disease?
Yes, many people with autoimmune diseases—including rheumatoid arthritis—can safely receive dental implants. However, these conditions may increase healing time and complication risk, so extra care and coordination between your oral surgeon and your doctor is often necessary.
What is the failure rate of dental implants with autoimmune disease?
Dental implant failure rates vary, but most studies show implant survival rates above 90% for patients with autoimmune conditions. When RA and other conditions are well-managed and the surgical team is experienced, outcomes are typically very successful.
