Who Is
A Candidate?
Dental implants provide a practical, proven solution for many, but are they the right option for you?
About Implant Candidacy
There are a number of factors that can determine whether dental implants would be a good solution for you. These include your overall health, general oral health, bone and gum health, existing medical conditions, age, and risk factors like smoking.
To be a candidate for dental implants, you must be healthy enough to undergo implant surgery. Depending on the location and number of teeth being replaced, implant candidates must have adequate gum tissue and jawbone to securely hold dental implants. In certain cases, an additional bone grafting procedure or a sinus lift will be needed to augment areas of insufficient bone or to create more space to accommodate an implant.
Generally, underlying health conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, will not rule out implant placement, as long as the condition is being properly monitored and controlled.
Since smoking impairs the body’s natural ability to heal, smokers experience higher implant failure rates than nonsmokers. Therefore, smoking is highly discouraged for those considering dental implants.
Implants are usually not placed until the jaws have fully matured. This generally occurs between the ages of 16 and 18. There is no upper age limit for implant placement.
Please contact us at our dental office to learn more about dental implants and see if you might be a candidate.
