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Am I A Candidate for Dental Implants?
San Jose, CA
Dental implants have become the preferred solution for replacing missing teeth, and for good reason. They function like natural teeth, support long-term oral health, and can last a lifetime with proper care. But not everyone is automatically ready for implant placement on day one. Candidacy depends on a combination of physical, dental, and lifestyle factors that our dentist at Nancy Shiba, DDS will evaluate before recommending a treatment plan. Who Makes a Good Candidate?Most adults who are missing one or more teeth are potential candidates for dental implants. The key requirements involve having a healthy enough foundation to support the implant and the commitment to maintain it long term. Strong candidates typically share a few common characteristics:
We will review your dental and medical history, take diagnostic images, and in many cases use a cone beam CT scan to get a precise, three-dimensional picture of your jaw structure before making any recommendations. What If I Have Bone Loss?One of the most common concerns patients bring up is bone loss. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the jawbone beneath it begins to resorb, or shrink, because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. The longer a tooth has been missing, the more significant this bone loss can become. Bone loss does not automatically disqualify you from implants, but it does affect the approach. Bone grafting is a well-established preparatory procedure that rebuilds volume and density in areas where the jaw has thinned. A graft may involve using bone from another site in your own body, donor bone material, or a synthetic substitute. After the graft heals, the site can support a dental implant just as effectively as a jaw that never experienced bone loss. Our dentist will measure existing bone height and width to determine whether grafting is needed and, if so, how much. Some patients require only a minor graft, while others with more significant loss may need a more involved procedure. Either way, the goal is the same: giving the implant a stable, lasting foundation. Medical Conditions and Implant CandidacyCertain systemic health conditions require closer evaluation before moving forward with dental implants. This does not mean implants are off the table — it means the dentist will work with your general physician or specialist to ensure timing and approach are appropriate for your situation. Conditions that may affect candidacy or require additional planning include:
Controlled diabetes, for example, is very different from uncontrolled diabetes in terms of implant outcomes. Many patients with well-managed health conditions go on to have successful implant treatment. The evaluation simply needs to be thorough. What About Gum Disease?Active gum disease must be treated before implant placement. Periodontal disease affects the soft tissue and bone that hold teeth in place, and placing an implant in an infected environment significantly increases the risk of implant failure. The same bacteria responsible for gum disease can attack the tissue around an implant, a condition called peri-implantitis. The good news is that gum disease is treatable. Whether through scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or periodontal surgery, clearing up infection and restoring gum health brings you back into candidacy. Maintaining that health after treatment is equally important for long-term implant success. Smoking and Implant SuccessTobacco use is one of the more significant risk factors for implant complications. Smoking constricts blood vessels, reduces oxygen flow to healing tissue, and impairs the immune response — all factors that slow healing after implant surgery and can interfere with osseointegration. Smokers can still receive dental implants, but failure rates are higher compared to non-smokers. Most providers recommend stopping tobacco use for a period before and after surgery to give the implant the best possible environment to heal. If you are a current smoker and considering implants, this is worth discussing directly with our dentist at Nancy Shiba, DDS so you understand the full picture. Age ConsiderationsTooth implants are generally not placed until the jawbone has finished developing, which typically happens in the late teens for most patients. Placing an implant before growth is complete can lead to alignment problems as the surrounding bone and teeth continue to shift. For older adults, age alone is not a barrier. Healthy adults in their 70s, 80s, and beyond can be excellent implant candidates, provided their bone density, gum health, and overall health support the procedure. What matters most is the condition of the jaw and soft tissue, not the number on a birthday. The Next Step Is an Evaluation
The only reliable way to know whether you are a candidate for dental implants is through a comprehensive exam. At Nancy Shiba, DDS, we evaluate each patient individually, looking at your imaging, health history, and goals to build a plan that fits your situation, whether that means placing implants right away or addressing preparatory steps first. To schedule your evaluation, contact our office at (669) 306-7669. We will walk you through everything you need to know and help you understand your options with clarity and confidence. |
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Our Office |
Phone(669) 306-7669 HoursMon: 9AM–6PM Tue: by appointment Wed: 9AM–6PM Thur: 9AM–3PM Friday: 8AM–5PM Sat & Sun: Closed |
