Implant prosthodontic management of medically treated hypothyroid patients

A retrospective analysis of implant treated patients with a history of medically managed hypothyroidism was conducted to investigate its impact on (i) survival/loss of osseointegrated Brånemark implants, (ii) marginal bone behavior and (iii) prosthodontic management.; The charts of patients treated between 1979 and June 2000 were reviewed and patients with reported histories of thyroid disease at the time of surgery were selected. The total patient population group consisted of 27 female patients. They were matched with a control by age, gender, location (jaw and zone) of implants, type of prosthesis and dental status of the opposing arch. Additional factors studied were medical history, medications, smoking habits, and bone quality and quantity.; There was no statistical difference in the number of implant failures. The hypothyroid patients had more soft tissue complications and more bone loss in year one of loading when compared to their matched controls. The implant survival outcomes did not influence the prosthodontic treatment plan.; This preliminary study suggests that medically controlled hypothyroid female patients treated with implants were not at higher risk of implant failure when compared to matched controls and that a history of controlled hypothyroidism is not a contra-indication for implant therapy with endosseous implants.