Understanding When Dental Implants May Be Appropriate
Dental implant candidacy is not determined by a single factor. Rather, it involves a combination of interrelated considerations, including oral health, bone structure, overall medical status, and lifestyle habits. If you are new to the topic, start with our guide on what dental implants are and how they work.
This page outlines the general factors that contribute to implant candidacy. It is intended as an educational overview, not a diagnostic tool. Only a qualified dental professional can determine whether implants are appropriate for an individual patient. The Ontario Dental Association can help you find a dentist in your area. For factors that may rule out implant treatment, see who is not a candidate for dental implants.
General Health and Oral Conditions
Candidates for dental implants typically have stable oral health. This means the gums are free of active periodontal disease and any existing infections or decay have been addressed before implant treatment begins.
Healthy gum tissue is important because it plays a role in healing around the implant site and in maintaining the long-term stability of the restoration. Untreated oral health issues can increase the risk of complications and may need to be resolved as a first step.
Patients who maintain consistent oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings, tend to have better long-term outcomes with dental implants.
Bone Support and Jaw Structure
Adequate bone quality and quantity in the jaw are important requirements for dental implant placement. The implant fixture needs sufficient bone to anchor securely and allow osseointegration to occur.
After a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone can begin to change over time. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more bone resorption may have taken place. In some cases, bone grafting or other preparatory procedures may be recommended to build up the bone before implant placement.
Advanced imaging, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), is often used during the consultation process to evaluate bone dimensions and density with precision.
Medical Considerations
Overall health plays a significant role in implant candidacy. The body needs to heal effectively after implant surgery, and certain medical conditions can affect this process.
Conditions that may influence candidacy include, but are not limited to:
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which can impair wound healing
- Autoimmune disorders that affect the immune response
- Conditions or medications that affect bone metabolism
- A history of radiation therapy to the head or neck area
Having a medical condition does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving implants. In many cases, well-managed conditions can be accommodated with appropriate planning and coordination with other healthcare providers. Understanding the risks, complications, and success rates can help set realistic expectations.
Lifestyle and Long-Term Commitment
Certain lifestyle factors can influence both the success of implant surgery and the longevity of the restoration. These factors are important to consider during the candidacy evaluation.
- Smoking. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, smokers had higher implant failure rates than non-smokers, and tobacco use is associated with slower healing. Patients who smoke may be advised to reduce or quit before and after treatment.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism). Habitual clenching or grinding can place excessive force on implants and restorations. Night guards or other interventions may be recommended.
- Oral hygiene habits. Implants require the same level of care as natural teeth. Patients who are committed to maintaining good hygiene are generally better candidates.
Dental implants are a long-term commitment. Patients should be prepared for the full treatment timeline, including healing periods and recovery milestones, follow-up appointments, and ongoing maintenance.
Age and Timing
Age alone is generally not a determining factor in implant candidacy. Older adults who are in good health are often excellent candidates for dental implants, and many patients receive implants well into their later years.
However, dental implants are typically not placed in children or adolescents whose jaws are still growing. Implant placement is usually deferred until jaw development is complete, which varies by individual.
The timing of implant placement relative to tooth loss can also be relevant. In some cases, early placement after extraction may be beneficial, while other situations may require a period of healing first.
Why a Consultation Matters
While the factors described on this page can provide a general sense of implant candidacy, they cannot substitute for a professional evaluation. Candidacy cannot be determined from educational resources alone.
A dental consultation typically involves a full oral examination, review of medical history, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of treatment goals and alternatives. This process allows the dental professional to develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific needs. Speaking with a licensed dentist is the way to begin that evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get dental implants with bone loss?
It depends on the extent of bone loss. Some patients with moderate bone loss may be candidates after bone grafting procedures. A clinical evaluation with diagnostic imaging is needed to determine your options.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit. Many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive dental implants. However, implants are not recommended for children or adolescents whose jaws are still developing.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking increases the risk of implant complications, but it does not automatically disqualify someone. Dentists may recommend reducing or quitting smoking before and after the procedure to improve outcomes.
References
- Chrcanovic BR, Albrektsson T, Wennerberg A. Smoking and dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent. 2015;43(5):487-498.
- Heitz-Mayfield LJA. Peri-implant diseases: diagnosis and risk indicators. J Clin Periodontol. 2008;35(8 Suppl):292-304.
- Tyndall DA, Price JB, Tetradis S, Ganz SD, Hildebolt C, Scarfe WC. Position statement of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology on selection criteria for the use of radiology in dental implantology with emphasis on cone beam computed tomography. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012;113(6):817-826.
- Bornstein MM, Scarfe WC, Vaughn VM, Jacobs R. Cone beam computed tomography in implant dentistry: a systematic review focusing on guidelines, indications, and radiation dose risks. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2014;29(Suppl):55-77.