Adequate jawbone volume
The implant post anchors into the jawbone, so sufficient bone density and volume are required. A CBCT scan measures this precisely. Many patients who think they don't have enough bone are surprised to find they do.
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants — and for those who aren't immediately eligible, we often have a path to get them there. The only way to know for certain is a proper assessment.
These are the factors that make someone an excellent implant candidate. If most of these describe you, implants are very likely a viable option.
The implant post anchors into the jawbone, so sufficient bone density and volume are required. A CBCT scan measures this precisely. Many patients who think they don't have enough bone are surprised to find they do.
Active gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) must be fully resolved before implant placement. Healthy, stable gum tissue provides a protective seal around the implant that prevents bacteria from reaching the bone.
Smoking restricts the blood supply to healing bone and significantly raises failure rates. Patients willing to stop smoking for the healing period — and ideally permanently — can still be strong candidates.
Implant surgery is a minor outpatient procedure, but patients should be well enough to undergo local anesthesia and minor surgery. Most controlled systemic conditions do not disqualify you.
Implants can last a lifetime — but only with consistent brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. Patients committed to good home care are the best long-term candidates.
Implants are not placed while the jaw is still growing. For most patients this means waiting until age 18, though some cases may require waiting until the late teens based on jaw development X-rays.
None of these are automatic disqualifiers. For each one, we've noted whether it's manageable or a true contraindication.
Bone loss is common after tooth loss — it begins within weeks. This is addressable with bone grafting, which rebuilds the volume needed to support an implant. Many patients we see have bone loss and still go on to receive successful implants after grafting.
Active periodontitis must be fully treated and stable before implant placement. We treat gum disease in-house and then re-evaluate once healing is confirmed. This typically adds 2–4 months to the timeline, not to candidacy eligibility.
Uncontrolled diabetes significantly impairs healing. However, patients with well-controlled Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c under 7%) routinely receive implants successfully. We coordinate with your physician and may request medical clearance before proceeding.
Smokers have approximately twice the implant failure rate of non-smokers. This is a risk factor, not a disqualifier. We can proceed with fully informed consent and a commitment to not smoking during the healing period.
Long-term use of bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis, e.g., Fosamax, Prolia) or high-dose steroids can impair bone healing. This doesn't automatically disqualify you, but requires a careful medical review and often a medication holiday under physician guidance.
Radiation therapy to the head and neck can compromise bone healing in the irradiated area. Chemotherapy patients are typically evaluated after a waiting period. Each case is assessed individually — some patients post-cancer treatment are excellent candidates.
Candidacy is never decided from a photo or a general description. Here's exactly how we determine whether implants are right for you.
CBCT cone-beam CT scan. This 3D imaging technology produces a detailed map of your jawbone — showing volume, density, the position of nerves and sinuses, and the precise placement angle for each implant. Standard 2D X-rays simply cannot provide this level of detail. The CBCT is included in your implant consultation fee at Minty Smiles.
Full health history review. We review your medications, medical conditions, and any history of bisphosphonate use, cancer treatment, or radiation. We coordinate with your physician when medical clearance is appropriate.
Full mouth X-rays & gum health assessment. We measure pocket depths, assess bone levels around existing teeth, and screen for active periodontal disease — all of which factor into the implant treatment plan.
Advanced implant training. Our dentists at Minty Smiles have completed advanced implant training and hold a master of implants certificate — giving us the clinical background to handle complex cases, not just straightforward single-tooth restorations.
A CBCT scan tells us more about your bone in 30 seconds than any clinical exam alone. It's the foundation of safe, precise implant placement.
Bone loss after tooth loss is one of the most common barriers to implants — and it's one of the most commonly solved ones.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it begins to resorb — losing height and width over months and years. If bone volume is insufficient for an implant, a bone graft is performed first. Bone grafting uses donor bone material (typically synthetic or processed human bone) to rebuild the area, which then integrates over 3–6 months before the implant is placed.
Common graft types include socket preservation grafts (placed immediately after extraction to prevent bone loss), ridge augmentation (to rebuild lost width and height), and sinus lifts (for upper back teeth where the sinus sits low). Each addresses a specific anatomical situation.
Bone grafting adds time to the overall treatment but significantly expands who can receive implants. Many patients who were told elsewhere that they "don't have enough bone" are successfully treated with grafting at Minty Smiles.
Everything you need to know about dental implants at Minty Smiles.