Implant Candidate

Even if you are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, you may be a candidate for dental implants. Implant specialists can usually work around any health issues, and age in itself is not a contraindication. Where there are risk factors, your dentist will explain those to you directly. Most of dentists have a firm policy that they only do dental implants only when they can expect success - if you are not a good candidate, they will tell you and let you know what your alternative options are.

Basically, in order to be a dental implant candidate, you need to be in good health and missing some teeth. And you are expected to be motivated to take care of your new teeth after you get them. So most of the cases, if you are missing one or some teeth, you are qualified.

From the aspects of the condition inside your mouth, for dental implants to be able to be placed in your jawbone, there needs to be enough bone present. If you lack bone, however, there are bone grafting procedures which may enable your bone to be taken care of.

Here is a list of some of the most common health conditions that could cause problems with dental implants:

- Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes, hemophilia, or immune-deficiency disorders would cause you to be at high risk for dental implant failure. You would be more susceptible to infections around the fixtures. The amount of risk is dependant on the severity of your problem.
- Smoking may increase the risk of failure. Studies have shown that a smoker is 2.5 times more likely to have implant failure than a non-smoker. And clearly, the more you smoke, the more likely you would be to have a problem. If you love to smoke and are not able to stop, it might be wise not to receive the treatment.
- It is not advisable to get dental implants while you are pregnant.
- Alcohol or substance abuse causes not only health problems that could compromise treatment, but they would likely affect your motivation to care for your new teeth after treatment.