Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants? 5 Factors to Consider

Do You Have Enough Jawbone for Implants?

Your jawbone needs enough density to support an implant. The implant post fuses with bone tissue during healing, creating a stable foundation. Without sufficient bone, this fusion can’t occur.

When you lose a tooth, your body stops stimulating that area, causing the bone to shrink over time. Gum disease and long-term denture use accelerate this bone loss.

Bone grafting can rebuild areas with insufficient density. The procedure takes several months to heal but creates the foundation needed for long-term success.

Can You Get Implants If You Have Gum Disease?

Active gum disease needs to be treated first. Gingivitis and periodontitis create inflammation and infection that get in the way of proper healing. The good news? Your dental team can treat these conditions, and once your gums are healthy, you can proceed with implants.

Watch for signs like bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or swollen tissue. The biggest risk after placement is peri-implantitis—gum disease that develops around the implant itself. Starting with healthy gums and keeping up with good oral hygiene gives you the best chance of long-term success.

What If You Have Diabetes or Other Health Issues?

Most chronic health conditions won’t prevent you from getting implants. If you have diabetes that’s well-managed, it typically won’t cause issues with healing. But uncontrolled blood sugar slows recovery and increases infection risk.

Your physician may need to provide medical clearance before treatment begins.

Is There an Age Limit for Dental Implants?

There’s no such thing as being too old for implants. Seniors often make great candidates because their jawbones have finished growing and provide a stable foundation. We regularly work with patients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who see excellent results. Your bone density and overall health matter more than the number on your birthday.

For younger patients, timing works differently. Your jawbone needs to be done growing before placement. If the bone is still developing, it can shift the implant out of position. Most dentists recommend waiting until your late teens or early twenties.

Can You Keep Up With Daily Care?

Implants need the same care as your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss around them, and keep up with your regular dental checkups. This routine prevents peri-implantitis, inflammation and bone loss that can develop around the implant.

Bacteria buildup causes the same issues you’d see with gum disease. If you skip the basics, implants can loosen or fail over time. The good news? Once you get into the routine, taking care of them becomes automatic.

Which Implant Option Fits Your Situation?

Different implant types serve different needs. Traditional single-tooth implants replace individual teeth. Full arch solutions that use just four implants per arch require less bone than traditional approaches. Mini implants work for patients with narrow bone ridges or limited space.

Dentures supported by implants combine stability with less surgery than full individual replacements. Each option addresses specific anatomical and budgetary situations. Your provider will recommend which type fits your needs after examining your bone structure and discussing your goals.

What If You Think You Don’t Qualify?

Most people asking “am I a candidate for dental implants?” have more options than they think. Bone loss doesn’t rule you out. Grafting can rebuild worn areas, or alternative implant designs work around significant loss.

If you’ve had an implant fail before, you’re not out of options. Your dentist can figure out what went wrong and adjust the approach for better results.

Your Situation & Possible Solutions

The Only Way to Know If You Qualify

A thorough exam with 3D CT imaging shows whether implants will work for you. The scan reveals your bone density, nerve locations, sinus positions, and other key factors. This eliminates guesswork and lets your dentist create a plan tailored to your anatomy.

Most complications happen when placement isn’t planned properly. When your dentist can see exactly what they’re working with before starting, you get better results and fewer surprises. It’s the difference between hoping everything goes well and knowing it will.

Finding the Right Provider for Your Consultation

Most people are good candidates for implants, even with bone loss or gum disease. The factors we’ve covered give you a starting point, but only a professional evaluation will tell you for sure.

When you’re ready, find a dentist who specializes in implants. Make sure they use 3D imaging, and notice how clearly they explain things. You want someone who reviews your health history, discusses realistic outcomes, and answers questions without rushing.

If they gloss over challenges or make it sound too easy, that’s a red flag. Take your time, get clear answers about timeline and costs, and move forward when you feel informed.