Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with good general health and reasonable bone volume are candidates. A small number of medical conditions and habits reduce success rates significantly. Here's what matters and what doesn't.

What clinicians actually check

1. Bone volume

The implant fixture needs bone to anchor into. A CT scan (ideally cone-beam) measures height, width, and density. If any dimension is inadequate, grafting can usually restore it — but this adds 3–6 months and £400–£2,500 to your treatment.

Common causes of low bone:

• Long-standing tooth loss (bone resorbs without a root).
• Long-term denture wear.
• Advanced gum disease history.
• Sinus pneumatisation in upper molars.

2. Gum health

Active gum disease (periodontitis) must be treated and stabilised before implant placement. Implants can develop peri-implantitis — gum disease around the fixture — which is harder to treat than gum disease around a natural tooth.

If you have a history of periodontitis, implants are still possible, but expect:

• A course of hygiene/periodontal treatment before surgery.
• Stricter maintenance (3-monthly hygienist visits).
• Somewhat higher long-term failure risk than a periodontally healthy patient.

3. Smoking

Smoking doubles the risk of implant failure. It impairs blood flow to the gums, slows healing, and dramatically increases peri-implantitis risk. Most UK implantologists will ask you to stop for at least 2 weeks before and 2 months after surgery. Some won't treat active smokers at all. If you smoke, ask the clinic their policy before consulting.

4. Diabetes

Well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c under 7%) has little impact on implant success. Poorly-controlled diabetes significantly raises failure risk because healing is impaired. Your dentist will likely ask for recent HbA1c results.

5. Medications that matter

• Bisphosphonates (alendronate, zoledronate) — used for osteoporosis. Oral forms carry a small risk; IV forms carry a significant risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Disclose all current and past bisphosphonate use.
• Immunosuppressants / steroids — impair healing; case-by-case assessment.
• Anticoagulants — surgery is still possible but coordinated with your GP.
• Chemotherapy / radiotherapy — timing matters; may need oncology sign-off.

6. Age

Adolescents should wait until jaw growth is complete — typically 18 for girls, 20–21 for boys. At the other end, there is no upper age limit; 80-year-olds successfully receive implants routinely. Age matters less than general health and bone condition.

What doesn't rule you out

Patients often assume they're ineligible when they're not. Things that usually do NOT prevent implant treatment:

• Missing teeth for many years.
• Previous gum disease (if now stable).
• Controlled diabetes.
• Wearing dentures currently.
• Being on blood-thinning medication.
• Being over 70.

The consultation that decides

A proper implant consultation includes:

1. Full medical history — disclose everything, including over-the-counter supplements.
2. Dental examination including periodontal assessment.
3. 3D cone-beam CT scan of the implant site (non-negotiable).
4. Discussion of alternatives (bridges, dentures) with honest pros and cons.
5. Written treatment plan and itemised quote.

If any of the above is skipped, you don't yet have enough information to commit. See our red flags guide.

Information only. Always discuss your specific circumstances with a qualified clinician.