Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Dental implants are the gold standard in tooth replacement, offering many benefits such as improved aesthetics, comfort, and function. However, it is important to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure before moving forward.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our previous blogs in this series: Dental Implants: Your Guide to a Confident, Restored Smile and Parts of a Dental Implant: What Makes Up Your New Tooth?
In this blog, we will discuss factors that affect candidacy and provide clear guidelines for determining if dental implants are right for you.
Table of Contents
Factors Affecting Candidacy
Before you are considered for a dental implant procedure, your oral surgeon will evaluate several factors to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
Overall Health
When considering dental implants, your overall health plays a crucial role. Several medical conditions can impact your candidacy, including:
- Uncontrolled diabetes: This can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
- Autoimmune disorders: These may hinder recovery due to their effect on the body’s healing capabilities.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Patients on blood thinners or with heart conditions may need special considerations before undergoing the procedure.
It is imperative that you disclose your complete medical history with your oral surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome.
Oral Health
Healthy gums and teeth are essential for successful implant placement. Uncontrolled gum disease and tooth decay can compromise the stability of the implants, leading to potential failure.
- If you have active periodontal disease it will need to be treated before proceeding with the implant procedure. Untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, which will affect the stability of the implant.
- Tooth decay also needs to be addressed to prevent further damage to surrounding teeth and the implant itself.
- You should already be in the habit of brushing and flossing every day. Your replacement teeth (or tooth) require the same meticulous care as your natural teeth!
Jawbone Density
The jawbone provides the necessary support for the implant. It provides a stable foundation for your implant, and if it is weak or there is insufficient bone density, the implant may fail. If you have been missing teeth for a long time or have suffered from severe gum disease, you may have inadequate bone density.
In such cases, your oral surgeon may recommend a bone grafting procedure to build up the jawbone before proceeding with implant placement. If this is the case, it will take approximately 4–6 months for the bone graft to heal sufficiently for implant placement.
Lifestyle Factors
Your lifestyle choices can also affect your candidacy. Smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping, or smoking marijuana can all have negative impacts on the success of your implants. These habits can increase the risk of infection and impede healing, leading to possible implant failure.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
While every case is unique, ideal candidates are generally individuals who:
- Are in good overall health
- Have sufficient jawbone density
- Do not smoke or use other tobacco products
- Are in the habit of seeing their dentist every 6 months for check-ups and cleanings, and who have good oral hygiene habits
If you do not meet all of these criteria, it does not necessarily mean you are not a candidate for dental implants.
Who is Not a Candidate for Dental Implants?
There are some cases where certain factors may make it challenging or impossible to receive dental implants. These include:
- Individuals with uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, immune disorders, cancer, etc.
- Heavy smokers who are not able to quit smoking for any period of time
- Young people whose jawbones are still developing
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
We will consider each case on an individual basis and may recommend alternative tooth replacement options if necessary. However, our experienced surgeon is always willing to work with patients to find a solution that best suits their unique needs and circumstances.
Don’t Hold Back!
Honesty is really important when it comes to your medical history and lifestyle habits. It allows the oral surgeon to make informed decisions and provide you with the best possible care. Disclose any previous or existing medical conditions, medications you are taking, allergies, etc., during your consultation. Also, be open about any tobacco use and other lifestyle factors that could affect the outcome of the procedure.
Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
| If You Have… | Then You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants |
|---|---|
| Good overall health | ✔️ Yes |
| Healthy gums and teeth | ✔️ Yes |
| Sufficient jawbone density | ✔️ Yes |
| No tobacco use or smoking habits | ✔️ Yes |
| If You Have… | Then You Are Not a Candidate for Dental Implants |
| Uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g., diabetes) | ❌ No |
| Active gum disease or untreated tooth decay | ❌ No |
| Insufficient jawbone density without grafting options | ❌ No |
| Heavy smoking or inability to quit smoking | ❌ No |
| Jawbones that are still developing | ❌ No |
| Pregnant or breastfeeding | ❌ No |
Remember, a thorough evaluation by an experienced oral surgeon is always necessary to determine candidacy and create a personalized treatment plan.
If you are searching for a tooth replacement option and are wondering if you qualify for dental implants, book a consultation at Legacy Surgery. Our experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, specializes in dental implants, All-on-4 dental implants and sedation dentistry.
To book a dental implant consultation at our office in Harrisonburg, call (540) 437-1230; for our office in Staunton, call (540) 213-8750.