Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Missing teeth, bone loss or a previous dental problem does not automatically determine whether implants are right for you.
A proper implant evaluation looks at your overall health, gums, bone, bite, healing factors and the restoration you ultimately need.
Implant Candidacy Is More Than a Simple Yes or No
Many adults with one or more missing teeth can be considered for implant treatment, but each case must be evaluated individually.
The goal is to determine whether implant treatment can be planned safely and predictably for your particular situation.
General Health
Medical history, healing ability, medications and systemic health can affect treatment planning.
Bone & Gum Health
Implants require appropriate bone support and healthy surrounding tissues.
Restorative Plan
The implant must be able to support a crown, bridge, denture or full-arch restoration in an appropriate position.
Factors That Can Influence Dental Implant Treatment
These factors are not automatic disqualifiers in every case. They help determine whether treatment should proceed,
be modified, be delayed, or require coordination with another healthcare professional.
- General health and medical history
- Healthy gums and control of active dental disease
- Diabetes and other conditions that may affect healing
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Oral hygiene and ability to maintain the restoration
- Available bone volume and quality
- Bite, remaining teeth and restorative needs
- Commitment to healing, follow-up and maintenance
What If You Were Told You Do Not Have Enough Bone?
Bone loss does not automatically mean implant treatment is impossible. Depending on your anatomy,
bone grafting, ridge augmentation, sinus-related procedures or a different implant strategy may be considered.
What If You Were Told You Are Not a Candidate?
If you have received a treatment plan that involves extensive grafting, extraction of many teeth,
or a conclusion that implants are not possible, a second evaluation can help clarify the anatomy and alternatives.
Your Bone and Anatomy Should Be Evaluated Before a Treatment Decision
When appropriate, three-dimensional imaging can help evaluate bone volume and anatomical structures and support
planning for implant position, grafting needs and the final restoration.
Dental Implant Candidate FAQs
Can I get implants if I have bone loss?
Possibly. The amount and location of bone loss must be evaluated. Bone grafting or another augmentation approach may be considered when appropriate.
Can smokers get dental implants?
Smoking can affect healing and implant risk. Your individual smoking history and overall treatment plan should be discussed during the evaluation.
Can diabetes affect dental implant treatment?
Diabetes and blood-glucose control can affect healing. Implant treatment should be planned in the context of your medical history and, when appropriate, coordination with your physician.
Am I too old for dental implants?
Age alone does not determine implant candidacy. Overall health, healing ability, anatomy, oral health and restorative needs are more relevant factors.
What if I have been without teeth for years?
Long-standing tooth loss can be associated with bone shrinkage. A clinical examination and imaging can help determine what treatment options may remain.
Request a Dental Implant Candidacy Evaluation
Boston Dental Care serves patients from Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada, Sunland, Tujunga and nearby communities.