Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Whether dental implants are an option for you depends on several medical and oral health factors that affect healing, stability, and long-term success. During an evaluation the focus is on your overall health, the condition of your gums and jawbone, and everyday habits that can influence recovery after dental implant surgery.
Legacy Surgery offer dental implants in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Factors That Determine Dental Implant Candidacy
Oral surgeons determine whether someone is a candidate for dental implants by evaluating several interrelated factors rather than a single requirement.
Overall Health
Your general health plays a direct role in how well your body heals after implant surgery and how successfully an implant bonds with bone.
Certain medical conditions can slow healing or increase complication risk, but candidacy for dental implants is based on how well those conditions are managed rather than the diagnosis itself.
Oral Health and Gum Condition
Healthy gums and good oral hygiene provide the foundation needed to support a dental implant.
Active infection, inflammation, gum disease, or untreated decay can interfere with healing and raise the risk of complications.
Jawbone Density
Dental implants rely on the jawbone for stability, so adequate bone volume and bone density are essential.
Bone quality can vary depending on the area of the mouth and how long a tooth has been missing. Imaging is used to assess existing bone and whether bone grafting may be part of the treatment plan.
Lifestyle Factors That Affect Healing
Certain daily habits, including the use of tobacco products, can affect blood flow and inflammation, which in turn can interfere with healing and osseointegration.
Lifestyle factors are reviewed to understand how they may influence your recovery after surgery and the long-term success of tooth replacement.
When Dental Implants May Not Be Recommended
Dental implants may be postponed or avoided when certain conditions increase the risk of complications or implant failure. These factors are reviewed during the evaluation to ensure safe placement and predictable long-term results.
Dental implants may not be recommended if:
- Medical conditions that affect healing or bone metabolism are not well controlled
- Active gum disease, oral infection, or untreated decay is present
- Jawbone volume or density is insufficient and bone grafting is not an option
- Ongoing tobacco use significantly interferes with healing
- Jaw growth is not complete
If you are not a candidate at the time of evaluation, treatment may be deferred until underlying conditions are addressed or circumstances change.
Dental Implants at Legacy Surgery
To find out whether you are a candidate for dental implants, an evaluation with Dr. Jeff Kesecker can help determine whether implant placement is appropriate based on your oral health and overall medical history.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750 or visit us at 110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
📍Other location
Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA
(540) 437-1230
2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA
FAQs
Can I get dental implants if I have multiple missing teeth?
Dental implants can replace multiple missing teeth using several implants to support individual crowns, a dental bridge, or a full-arch restoration. Candidacy depends on bone support, oral health, and how many teeth need replacement.
Can I get an implant if I smoked for decades?
A long history of smoking does not automatically disqualify you, but tobacco use can affect healing and long-term implant stability. Your surgeon will consider current tobacco use, overall oral health, and whether smoking can be reduced or stopped during healing.
Can I get dental implants if I’m in my 70s?
Age alone does not prevent implant placement. Many patients in their 70s and older qualify for dental implants if they have adequate bone support and stable overall health.
How long does it take to get dental implants?
The timeline varies. Some cases are completed in a few months, while others take longer if bone grafting or staged healing is required. Your treatment plan will outline the expected timeframe based on your specific needs.