Implants · single question
Which of the following poses the LEAST risk of implant failure?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Dental caries
Dental caries (A) poses the LEAST direct risk of implant failure. Implants cannot get caries (titanium is not susceptible to acid dissolution). While caries in adjacent teeth can indicate poor oral hygiene, caries itself does not directly compromise implant osseointegration.
• History of periodontitis (B): significant risk factor — patients with a history of periodontal disease have higher rates of peri-implantitis (implant equivalent of periodontitis). The same pathogenic bacteria affect implants.
• Tobacco use (C): major risk factor — impairs healing, reduces blood flow, increases peri-implant bone loss, and significantly increases failure rates (3-4× higher).
• Poorly controlled diabetes (D): impairs osseointegration through reduced healing, altered immune response, and microangiopathy.
• Well-controlled diabetes is NOT a contraindication for implants.
• History of periodontitis (B): significant risk factor — patients with a history of periodontal disease have higher rates of peri-implantitis (implant equivalent of periodontitis). The same pathogenic bacteria affect implants.
• Tobacco use (C): major risk factor — impairs healing, reduces blood flow, increases peri-implant bone loss, and significantly increases failure rates (3-4× higher).
• Poorly controlled diabetes (D): impairs osseointegration through reduced healing, altered immune response, and microangiopathy.
• Well-controlled diabetes is NOT a contraindication for implants.