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Dental implants offer a permanent solution for missing teeth, but not everyone is a candidate for this tooth replacement option.
Oral surgeons carefully assess health, lifestyle, and oral conditions before recommending implant procedures.
This blog outlines the factors that may disqualify someone from getting dental implants and the criteria oral surgeons use to determine eligibility.
Table of Contents
- What It Takes for Dental Implants to Succeed
- Factors That May Disqualify You from Dental Implants
- How We Evaluate Dental Implant Candidates at Foley & Le
- Book a Dental Implant Consultation at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
You will not qualify for dental implants if you have uncontrolled diabetes, insufficient bone volume, or poor oral hygiene, as these increase the risk of complications and implant failure. Oral surgeons carefully evaluate each patient’s medical history, bone health, and lifestyle to ensure they are suitable candidates for long-term success.
What It Takes for Dental Implants to Succeed
Dental implants are screw-like posts, commonly made of titanium or zirconia, that are placed in the jawbone to support prosthetic teeth.
Implant success requires proper bone growth and integration through a natural healing process called osseointegration. For this to occur, patients need healthy bone and overall good oral health.
Key requirements for successful dental implants
- Healthy patients: No chronic or untreated health conditions that affect healing.
- Adequate bone: Bone tissue must have enough volume and density to support the titanium implant.
If these requirements aren’t met, the risk of implant complications increases.
Factors That May Disqualify You from Dental Implants
Certain factors may delay or prevent you from receiving dental implants. Being aware of these considerations can help you make an informed decision.
1. Uncontrolled Diabetes
- Why it matters: Uncontrolled diabetes affects healing, and poor healing leads to implant failure and infection.
- Key concern: Elevated blood sugar levels can slow tissue recovery and prevent proper bone integration with the implant, making it less stable over time.
Solution: Work with your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to stabilize your blood sugar levels. Proper diabetes management through medication, diet, and regular monitoring is essential for healing and successful implant integration. Until blood sugar is controlled, the risk of implant failure remains too high to proceed. Your oral surgeon will assess your overall health to determine if and when the procedure can be safely performed. In general if you can get your glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C laboratory value) below 8.0 you will be a candidate for implants.
2. Use of Bone-Altering Medications
- Examples: Drugs like Prolia, Zometa, Reclast, Fosamax and Boniva, often prescribed for osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
- Why it matters: These medications can interfere with bone healing and regeneration, making it harder for the jawbone to integrate with the implant.
Solution: Patients must disclose all medications during their consultation. In some cases, oral surgeons can adjust the treatment plan or explore alternative options to improve implant success.
3. Inadequate Bone Structure
- Why it matters: Dental implants need a strong, dense jawbone for proper support and long-term stability.
- Risk of failure: Insufficient bone volume can lead to implant loosening, poor integration, or even jawbone fractures over time.
Solution: This doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from getting implants, but it may require additional procedures like bone grafting and sinus lift to rebuild lost bone. While these treatments improve implant success, some patients may choose to forgo them due to cost or personal preference. Your oral surgeon can discuss whether bone grafting is necessary and what options are available.
4. Age Restrictions
- Age limitations: Implants are not suitable for teenagers until their jaw has fully developed. For most this means waiting until around 18-25 years old.
- Why it matters: The jawbone continues to grow until early adulthood. Placing implants too soon can lead to misalignment or complications as the bone structure changes over time.
Solution: Temporary solutions like bridges or removable prosthetics can restore function and appearance until jaw growth is complete and implants become a viable option.
To learn more about this topic, read: Can Teenagers Get Dental Implants For Missing Teeth?
5. Smoking and Tobacco Use
- Why it matters: Tobacco use restricts blood flow, slows healing, and weakens gum tissue, increasing the risk of complications after implant surgery.
- Risks: Smokers have a four fold higher chance of infection, poor bone integration, and implant failure due to reduced oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues.
Solution: Quitting smoking before surgery and throughout the healing process greatly improves the chances of a successful implant outcome. Your oral surgeon can provide guidance on the best steps to take for a healthier recovery.
6. Poor Oral Hygiene
- Why it matters: While dental implants and restorations themselves aren’t affected by plaque, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are. Without proper care, bacteria can accumulate around the implant, leading to gum disease and bone loss that can compromise its stability.
- Risks: Infections like peri-implantitis can develop, weakening the bone and increasing the likelihood of implant failure.
Patients must be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings, to protect the long-term success of their implants
How We Evaluate Dental Implant Candidates at Foley & Le
Before recommending dental implants, we take a comprehensive approach to assess each patient’s suitability for the procedure. Our evaluation includes:
- 3D Cone beam scans: We use advanced imaging to assess bone health, density, and the surrounding structures to ensure a stable foundation for implants.
- Health assessments: We review your medical history, medications, and any chronic conditions that could impact healing, ensuring a safe and successful outcome.
- Personalized treatment planning: If dental implants aren’t the best option, we discuss alternative treatments tailored to your needs and long-term oral health goals.
Our goal is to provide every patient with the best possible treatment plan for a strong, lasting smile.
If you do not qualify for dental implants, there are other tooth replacement options. Learn about them here: Are Dental Implants The Only Option To Replace A Missing Tooth?
Book a Dental Implant Consultation at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
Choosing the right team for your dental implant procedure is essential for long-term success. At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we take a patient-centered approach, using advanced technology and proven techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Get to know us!
Whether you are ready for implants or need additional treatment to prepare, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
To book a dental implant consultation at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us 1420 28th St, #100, Boulder, CO 80303.
