A clinic that wants your booking will rarely tell you when travelling is a bad idea. We think you should know, because the patients who do best are the ones whose plan fits their health. This guide summarises what the research says.
Smoking
A 2022 meta-analysis of about 150,000 implants found that smokers had around 2.4 times the odds of implant failure, with risk rising with the number of cigarettes smoked (Mustapha et al., 2022). Stopping before and after surgery helps. If you smoke heavily and cannot stop, discuss it honestly before planning.
Diabetes
Across studies, people with diabetes have somewhat higher odds of implant failure (systematic review). What matters most is control: a 2026 review found outcomes comparable to non-diabetic patients when HbA1c was below about 8%, with more bone loss and inflammation as HbA1c rose above it (BMC Oral Health 2026). Send a recent HbA1c result with your history.
Bone medicines (bisphosphonates, denosumab)
- High-dose antiresorptives for cancer: implants are generally advised against, because of the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw (AAOMS position paper, 202200148-3/fulltext)).
- Low-dose treatment for osteoporosis: a 2025 review and consensus found no evidence that it increases implant failure (2025 review), but it needs careful discussion and consent.
Tell us the name of the medicine, the dose and how long you have taken it.
Radiotherapy to the head or neck
Implants can succeed in irradiated bone, but survival is lower (about 92% vs 97% in one review, over roughly three years) and there is a small risk of osteoradionecrosis (Toneatti et al., 2021). This is specialist, closely followed treatment, usually better done near your cancer team than abroad.
A history of gum disease
A history of periodontitis raises the risk of implant failure and of inflammation around implants later (Serroni et al., 2024). It does not rule implants out, but gum health should be treated and stable first, and regular hygiene visits at home matter even more.
When not to book flights yet
| Situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
| High-dose bone medicine for cancer | Implants generally not advised; discuss alternatives with your own specialists |
| Recent head or neck radiotherapy | Best planned with your cancer team, close to home |
| Poorly controlled diabetes | Improve control first; send a recent HbA1c |
| Active gum disease | Treat and stabilise first |
| Heavy smoking you cannot stop | Discuss honestly; the risk is higher |
| Pregnancy | Usually postpone elective implant surgery |
Frequently asked questions
Can smokers get dental implants?+
Yes, but the risk of failure is higher, roughly 2.4 times the odds in a large meta-analysis. Stopping before and after surgery helps.
Can diabetics get dental implants?+
Yes, when diabetes is well controlled. Research finds outcomes comparable to non-diabetic patients when HbA1c is below about 8%.
Can I get implants if I take bisphosphonates?+
It depends on why and at what dose. Implants are generally advised against with high-dose treatment for cancer; low-dose treatment for osteoporosis needs careful discussion but does not automatically rule them out.
Sources
- Mustapha et al. (2022), Smoking and dental implants: systematic review and meta-analysis, Medicina 58(1):39 (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Diabetes and dental implant failure: systematic review and meta-analysis (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Glycaemic control (HbA1c) and implant outcomes: systematic review, BMC Oral Health 2026 (accessed 28 September 2026)
- AAOMS position paper on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, 2022 update (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Osteoporosis antiresorptive therapy and implant outcomes: systematic review and consensus (2025) (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Toneatti et al. (2021), Implants in irradiated patients: systematic review, Clin Oral Investig (accessed 28 September 2026)
- Serroni et al. (2024), History of periodontitis and implant outcomes, Clin Implant Dent Relat Res (accessed 28 September 2026)
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Whether implants suit you, and what they will cost, depends on a clinical examination and 3D scan. Prices are indicative and are confirmed in writing before any treatment.