Can You Get Dental Implants If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted on July 14, 2025
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a complex condition that impacts more than just your joints. From inflammation and fatigue to a higher risk of bone loss, it can influence many aspects of your health, including your teeth. If you've experienced tooth loss or severe gum disease and are exploring the option for tooth replacement, it's essential to book a consultation with a local periodontist in Oshawa for personalized insight into options like dental implants with conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis. At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon and our skilled team provide high-quality dental implants in Oshawa and the nearby areas so you can restore your smile. To learn more about what you can expect or if dental implants are the right fit for you, book a visit with us.
Here is what you need to know about dental implants if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Dental Implant Candidacy
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, but it can also affect the tissues in your mouth and your body's ability to heal after surgery, which can affect how you and your periodontist would approach tooth replacement options like dental implants.
Here are a few factors that periodontists consider with patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Healing Capabilities
Rheumatoid Arthritis and some of its treatments, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, can interfere with healing and bone regeneration. Because dental implants require your jaw bone to integrate with the implant post, in a process called osseointegration, bone health is essential as delayed healing may affect the outcome of dental implants in Oshawa and other periodontal treatments. However, with proper planning and collaboration with your medical provider, this risk can be managed.
Medications and Immune Response
If you're taking disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics, your immune system may be suppressed, which can increase your risk of infection after surgery. Before proceeding with dental implants in Oshawa, Dr. Ohayon and The Period Centre team will review your medical history and may coordinate with your rheumatologist to determine whether any adjustments are needed to your medication before the procedure to ensure a smooth procedure.
Oral Hygiene
Rheumatoid Arthritis can impact the small joints in your hands, making brushing and flossing more difficult. Since dental implant care requires diligent oral hygiene, patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis may benefit from adaptive tools such as electric toothbrushes or water flossers to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of peri-implantitis, a type of gum disease that can affect implants or implant failure.
Explore Your Options with a Trusted Periodontist in Oshawa
At The Perio Centre, we invest in leading technology, including advanced oral scanners to enable strategic planning and grade 4 medical-grade titanium for your implants so you can experience the benefits of a high-quality tooth replacement. Our team offers a patient-centred and comprehensive approach to periodontal care to ensure your treatments make sense for you. To explore your options or to book a consultation with The Perio Centre team, contact us today.