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Who Isn’t a Candidate for Dental Implants?

With any surgery or procedure, your provider wants to be successful. For them to succeed, you must be a good candidate for the surgery. Being a good candidate means more than just wanting it; there are evaluations to determine if you’re a fit.

Dental implants are no different than any other procedure. Some things can take you off the candidate list. These reasons may be something you have no control over. Your dentist may weigh the risks of surgery against the condition and determine that it’s too great a risk or a low chance of success.

Read here to learn what dental implants are, what makes a wrong candidate, and what makes a good candidate for the surgery.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a tool that dentists use to replace a missing tooth. The implant is formed specifically for your mouth and is meant to operate like a regular tooth. Your dentist will place a small titanium post into your jawbone to anchor the tooth. 

Over time, your jawbone fuses with the titanium post through osseointegration. It takes a significant amount of time to heal, but once the implant is integrated, it becomes a permanent fixture in your mouth. 

An implant’s success depends entirely on the fusion of the post and jawbone, as well as good dental hygiene and overall health. Because of the nature of the procedure, some patients are not ideal candidates for the process.

Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? 

Besides anyone who doesn’t want or need dental implants, a few demographics don’t make the cut for dental implants. Whether you fall into these categories doesn’t mean there’s no hope, as there are always exceptions to the rule, but you may encounter some push-back from your dentist.

  1. Youths

    Age is a massive factor for implants. The jaw continues to grow until roughly around the age of 19. Dental implants are not built to grow with the mandible, unlike natural teeth. The movement almost always damages the positioning and bonding of the implants.

    Beyond this, the post may hinder the growth of the jaw or even stunt it entirely. Dentists avoid implants in children and teens because they’re a moving target for implants. If the patient wants or needs implants, some alternatives will get the job done until a more permanent solution is viable.

  2. The Elderly

    Again, age is a factor in the success of dental implants. This factor is less common than you think, as most dentists draw the line at 85. As the body ages, recovering from procedures like this takes more time and energy. Along with the risks of surgery, other health risks might hinder your chances.

  3. Poor Oral Health

    Poor dental hygiene almost always takes you out of the running for dental implants. Patients who don’t maintain their dental hygiene are more likely to experience gum disease. Gum disease can erode the jawbone and prove unfit for implants. 

    Dentists want their procedures to be successful, and if they notice you aren’t taking care of your natural teeth, they are less likely to provide you with new ones.

  4. Bad Habits

    Some dentists may specify that if you smoke or chew tobacco, you aren’t fit for implants. These habits are already bad for oral health but pose even more significant risks if the surgery is performed. 

    If you received the implants and continued to smoke or chew, your healing process could be severely impaired or, worse, nonexistent. Infections are prevalent, and you might be causing more trouble for yourself than it’s worth. 

    Speak with your dentist about implants; if you agree to cut these habits, they may perform the procedure. After that, it’s up to you to maintain your implants and overall health.

  5. Pre-existing Health Conditions

    Your dentist needs to know about any conditions you may have and any medications you take for them. Some conditions could take you off the candidate list, such as:

      • Diabetes
      • Parkinson’s
      • Autoimmune diseases
      • Osteoporosis
      • Mental health issues
      • Systemic diseases

Your dentist should have a thorough screening process to determine your eligibility. In some cases, you may still be a candidate. Speak with your dentist about any conditions and medications you have.

Who are Good Candidates?

There isn’t an “ideal” candidate for dental implant surgery, but you are more likely to be a candidate if you are:
  • An adult
  • In good oral health
  • In good physical health
  • Not smoking/quit smoking
Again, there are exceptions to every rule, so speak to your dentist about your dental health goals and create a comprehensive care plan.

Are There Alternatives?

If you find yourself in a position where dental implants aren’t viable, speak with your dentist about alternatives. Two other options include dental bridges and dentures. They both have pros and cons, just like dental implants, but they may fit better in your health plan.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Point Pleasant, NJ

Well-versed and experienced in multiple cosmetic dentistry options, Dr. Zicchino can provide the service and expertise you need to have the smile you deserve! Visit our Point Pleasant, NJ office to get your perfect smile!

Contact us here to schedule an appointment today!