Chapter 05 • Question 1
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
📺 10:00 video📖 18 min read
Reviewed by Dr Tim Fleming
BDS – Dental Surgeon (GDC Reg: 83324)
Good candidates for dental implants are adults with missing teeth, adequate jawbone, healthy gums, and good overall health who are committed to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. While this sounds straightforward, understanding the specific factors that make someone an ideal candidate helps you assess whether implants are right for you.
The Ideal Candidate Profile
Physical Health Requirements
Adequate jawbone:
- Sufficient bone volume to support implant
- At least 10mm height and 6mm width typically
- If inadequate, bone grafting can often create suitable conditions
Healthy gums:
- No active gum disease (periodontitis)
- Pink, firm gum tissue with no bleeding or inflammation
- Chronic gum disease must be treated first
Completed jaw growth:
- Typically age 18+ (females) or 20+ (males)
- Jawbone must be fully developed
Lifestyle Factors
- Non-smoker or willing to quit: Smoking significantly reduces success rates
- Good oral hygiene habits: Brush twice daily, floss regularly, regular dental check-ups
- Realistic expectations: Understand treatment timeline (3-9 months typically)
- Commitment to treatment: Can attend multiple appointments and follow care instructions
Medical Suitability
Controlled or Absent Medical Conditions
- No uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c under 7% typically acceptable)
- No recent heart attack or stroke (usually wait 6 months)
- No active cancer treatment (timing depends on type and treatment)
- No severe osteoporosis with bisphosphonate use
Specific Situations
Young Adults (20s-40s)
Why excellent candidates:
- Generally excellent health and bone quality
- Excellent healing capacity
- Long lifespan ahead to benefit from implants
- High value proposition (may last 30-40+ years)
Healthy Seniors (65+)
Why often good candidates:
- Age alone not a contraindication
- Many seniors in excellent health
- High motivation for quality of life improvement
- Life expectancy still makes implants worthwhile (10-15+ years benefit)
People Struggling with Dentures
Why excellent candidates:
- High motivation and understanding of what they're missing
- All-on-4 full arch restoration dramatically better than traditional dentures
- Preserves bone (dentures accelerate bone loss)
Success Predictors
Factors Strongly Predicting Success
- Good oral hygiene habits
- Non-smoker
- Regular dental care history
- Compliance with medical advice
- Realistic expectations
- Adequate bone quality
- Good general health
- Strong motivation
Self-Assessment Questions
Physical suitability:
- Do I have adequate jawbone? (Dentist will assess)
- Are my gums healthy?
- Is my overall health good or stable?
- Am I a non-smoker or can I quit?
Practical readiness:
- Can I afford the treatment?
- Can I attend multiple appointments over several months?
- Do I have support for surgery day if needed?
Psychological preparedness:
- Do I understand the process takes months?
- Are my expectations realistic?
- Am I committed to long-term maintenance?
💡 Key Takeaways
- Good candidates include most adults with missing teeth, adequate bone, healthy gums, and good overall health
- Age alone doesn't disqualify—healthy seniors in their 70s and 80s are often excellent candidates
- Ideal candidates are non-smokers with good oral hygiene habits and realistic expectations
- Well-controlled medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure don't necessarily rule out implants
- Recent tooth loss often means better bone availability and simpler treatment
- People struggling with dentures are excellent candidates for implant-supported solutions
- Financial preparedness and ability to attend multiple appointments are practical requirements
- Commitment to maintenance and long-term care is essential for success
- Most contraindications are relative rather than absolute—require evaluation and management
- The best way to determine if you're a good candidate is comprehensive evaluation by qualified implant dentist
- Success rates exceed 95% for properly selected candidates who follow care instructions