The Importance of Disclosing Medical History Before Dental Implant Treatment

A 42-year-old female patient presented to another dental clinic after having a tooth extracted and a bone graft placed elsewhere. Upon review, we found that despite the graft, her bone remained deficient in the affected area.

During consultation, I asked about her medical background. She revealed a history of secondary amenorrhea for which she had been on oestrogen replacement therapy for the past nine years. In addition, she had a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease and was currently taking propylthiouracil for thyroid management.

These medical conditions are highly relevant because hormonal imbalances and thyroid dysfunction can significantly affect bone metabolism and healing. In implant dentistry, such systemic factors can make the difference between successful osseointegration and biological failure.

When asked whether her previous dentist had enquired about her medical history, she mentioned that she had not been asked—and therefore did not think it was important to share.

This case highlights a critical point: successful dental implant therapy depends on understanding the patient’s full medical picture. Conditions affecting bone quality, such as endocrine disorders or long-term hormone therapy, can impair graft healing and implant integration.

Simple adjuncts—such as vitamin D supplementation, optimising thyroid function, and coordinating care with the patient’s physician—can improve outcomes.

However, the KEY lies in open communication: patients must inform their dentists of any ongoing medical treatment, and clinicians need to ask the right questions before planning any implant surgery.