Implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth — but not everyone is an immediate candidate. Here’s what the evaluation involves.
Ideal implant candidates are adults with good general health, healthy gums, and sufficient bone density in the jaw to support the implant post. A thorough consultation and digital imaging help your dental team assess your suitability.
Bone density is one of the most important factors. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to shrink over time. If too much bone has been lost, a bone graft may be needed before implant placement. This adds time to the process but is a well-established procedure with a high success rate.
Certain conditions can affect candidacy, including uncontrolled diabetes, smoking, autoimmune disorders, and some medications. These don’t necessarily disqualify you — but they require careful evaluation and management. For example, smokers have a higher risk of implant failure due to reduced blood flow and impaired healing.
Age is not typically a barrier; implants are placed in patients of all ages once jaw development is complete. If you’ve been missing teeth for years, it’s not too late to explore implants. Our team will provide an honest, thorough assessment and outline all your options, including alternatives if implants aren’t the right fit right now.
