Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth — but not everyone is an immediate candidate. If you are considering dental implants and wondering whether they will work for you, this guide from the oral surgeons at Precision Oral Surgery covers the key factors that determine candidacy and what options exist if you face challenges.
What Makes a Good Dental Implant Candidate?
In general, a good candidate for dental implants meets several criteria. You should be in reasonable overall health, have adequate jawbone density to support the implant, and be free of uncontrolled chronic conditions that impair healing. The good news is that advances in implant technology and surgical technique have expanded candidacy dramatically over the past decade — many patients who were once told “no” are now excellent candidates.
Factors Your Oral Surgeon Will Evaluate
Jawbone density and volume. Dental implants are titanium posts that fuse directly with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. If you have been missing teeth for a long time, the bone in that area may have resorbed (shrunk). Your surgeon will use 3D cone beam imaging to measure bone height, width, and density. If bone is insufficient, a bone graft or sinus lift can often rebuild it before or during implant placement.
Gum health. Active periodontal (gum) disease must be treated before implant placement. Infection around the implant site can prevent osseointegration and lead to implant failure. Your oral surgeon and general dentist will work together to ensure your gums are healthy before proceeding.
Overall health and medical history. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and certain heart conditions can affect healing. Medications such as bisphosphonates (used for osteoporosis) and some immunosuppressants may also be factors. Be sure to share your complete medical history with your surgeon — in many cases, implants are still possible with careful planning.
Smoking and tobacco use. Smoking significantly reduces implant success rates by restricting blood flow to the surgical site. Most oral surgeons recommend quitting or significantly reducing tobacco use before and after implant surgery. If you are a smoker, talk honestly with your surgeon about your habits so they can plan accordingly.
Age. Dental implants are appropriate for adults of virtually any age, from young adults whose jaws have finished growing (typically 18 and older) to patients in their 80s and 90s. Age alone is rarely a disqualifying factor.
What If I Have Been Told I Am Not a Candidate?
If another dentist or oral surgeon has told you that you are not a candidate for implants, it may be worth seeking a second opinion. Precision Oral Surgery offers several advanced solutions for patients with complex cases:
Bone grafting and sinus lifts. Our surgeons routinely perform bone augmentation procedures that rebuild the jaw to support implants — even in cases of significant bone loss.
All-on-4 angled implant protocol. The All-on-4 technique uses specially angled posterior implants to maximize contact with available bone, often eliminating the need for bone grafting altogether. Full arch restorations start at competitive pricing at Precision Oral Surgery.
Zygomatic implants. For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the maxilla, providing a stable foundation without bone grafting.
The Consultation Process at Precision Oral Surgery
During your initial consultation at our Greeley, Loveland, or Thornton office, your surgeon will take a 3D cone beam scan of your jaw, review your medical and dental history, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan. This appointment typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes and gives you a clear picture of your options, timeline, and investment.
For patients interested in full-arch restoration, our Paradigm Implant Smiles program offers complimentary consultations with detailed treatment planning.
Take the First Step
The only way to know for certain whether you are a candidate for dental implants is to be evaluated by an experienced oral surgeon. Contact Precision Oral Surgery today to schedule your consultation — we look forward to helping you explore your options and find the path to a confident, healthy smile.
