Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? A Mesa Dentist’s Guide
Most adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. The ideal candidate has adequate jawbone density to support the titanium post, healthy gum tissue, and a commitment to maintaining good oral hygiene after the procedure. However, even patients who do not initially meet all of these criteria, including those with bone loss, gum disease, or certain medical conditions, can often qualify after preparatory treatment. At Desert Family Dental in Mesa, Dr. Scott Lee evaluates each patient individually and develops a clear plan to determine whether dental implants are the right solution.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Implants
During your implant consultation, Dr. Lee evaluates several factors to determine whether implants are the right option for you. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, dental implants have a success rate above 95 percent when placed in qualified candidates. Here are the key criteria Dr. Lee assesses:
Adequate Jawbone Density
Dental implants are anchored directly into the jawbone, so there must be enough bone volume to support the titanium post. When a tooth is lost, the bone in that area begins to shrink over time, a process that can eventually lead to facial collapse. If you lost a tooth recently, your bone is likely still strong enough. If the tooth has been missing for years, bone grafting may be needed before implant placement. Dr. Lee uses digital imaging to measure your bone density precisely and will recommend grafting if needed.
Healthy Gum Tissue
Your gums must be free of active infection before an implant can be placed. Untreated gum disease (periodontitis) is one of the leading causes of implant failure because bacteria can compromise the integration between the implant and the bone. The good news is that gum disease is treatable. Our periodontal treatment services can stabilize your gums and prepare them for implant surgery. For more on the connection between gum health and overall wellness, read our post on understanding gum disease prevention and treatment.
Good Overall Health
Certain systemic conditions can affect how well your body heals after implant surgery. Dr. Lee reviews your complete medical history during your consultation, paying close attention to conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, and any medications that affect bone metabolism or blood clotting. In many cases, these conditions do not disqualify you from implants but may require coordination with your physician or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Non-Smoker or Willingness to Quit
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and jawbone, slowing the osseointegration process (the fusion of the implant with the bone). Patients who smoke can still receive implants, but quitting or significantly reducing tobacco use before and after surgery dramatically improves success rates. Dr. Lee will discuss this openly during your consultation and can help you create a timeline that gives your implant the best chance of long term success.
Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Dental implants cannot get cavities, but the gum tissue and bone around them can still become infected if oral hygiene is neglected. The American Dental Association recommends treating implants with the same care as natural teeth. A condition called peri implantitis, similar to gum disease, is the leading cause of implant failure after placement. Mesa patients who are committed to brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping up with regular professional cleanings are the best candidates for long term implant success.
Common Concerns That Don’t Disqualify You
Many Mesa patients assume they cannot get dental implants because of a specific concern. Here are the most common misconceptions:
I Have Bone Loss
Bone loss does not automatically disqualify you. Bone grafting procedures can rebuild the jawbone to support an implant. This adds time to the overall treatment timeline, but it is a well established and predictable procedure that Dr. Lee performs regularly.
I Am Over 65 (or 75, or 85)
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Healthy adults in their 70s, 80s, and beyond regularly receive successful implants. The key factors are bone health and overall medical fitness, not age. Many of the patients we serve from Alma Gardens and other Mesa communities are active adults over 55 who want a permanent solution rather than dealing with removable dentures.
I Have Diabetes
Controlled diabetes does not disqualify you from implant treatment. The key word is controlled. Uncontrolled blood sugar can impair healing and increase infection risk. Dr. Lee will coordinate with your physician to ensure your glucose levels are stable before proceeding with surgery.
I Am Nervous About the Procedure
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients delay implant treatment. We offer sedation dentistry to help you feel deeply relaxed throughout the procedure. Many patients tell us they have little to no memory of the surgery afterward.
I Lost My Tooth Years Ago
Even if your tooth has been missing for a long time, you may still be a candidate. Bone grafting can often restore enough volume to support an implant. The longer you wait, the more bone loss may occur, which is one reason we encourage Mesa patients to schedule a consultation sooner rather than later. Call (480) 485-7747 to find out where you stand.
What If I Am Not a Candidate for Dental Implants?
If Dr. Lee determines that implants are not the best option for your situation, he will recommend alternatives that still provide excellent function and appearance. These include dental bridges, which anchor to adjacent teeth; dentures, which are removable and can replace multiple teeth; and overdentures, which combine the stability of implants with the convenience of a removable prosthetic. For a detailed comparison, read our post on dental implants vs. dentures.
What to Expect at Your Implant Consultation
Your consultation at Desert Family Dental is thorough, transparent, and pressure free. Here is what happens:
- Comprehensive exam with digital X rays to evaluate bone density, tooth position, and overall oral health
- Medical history review to identify any conditions or medications that could affect healing
- Gum health assessment to check for signs of periodontal disease
- Treatment plan discussion with a clear timeline, expected outcomes, and all available options explained
- Cost and insurance review so you understand the investment before making any decisions
There is never any pressure to commit during the consultation. Dr. Lee believes patients make the best decisions when they have complete information, and he will answer every question until you feel confident. Call (480) 485-7747 to schedule your consultation, or learn more about how long implants last to understand the long term value of the investment.
Dental Implant Candidate FAQ
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates. The ideal candidate has adequate bone density, healthy gums, and good overall health. Even patients with bone loss, gum disease, or diabetes can often qualify after preparatory treatment.
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
In many cases, yes. Bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone to support an implant. Dr. Lee evaluates bone density during your consultation and recommends the best approach.
Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?
Yes, but the gum disease must be treated and stabilized first. Placing implants into infected gums significantly increases the risk of failure.
Can I get dental implants if I smoke?
Smoking increases the risk of implant failure. Quitting or significantly reducing tobacco use before and after surgery improves outcomes. Dr. Lee will discuss a realistic timeline with you.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
No upper age limit. Healthy adults in their 70s, 80s, and beyond regularly receive successful implants. The key factors are bone health and overall medical fitness, not age.
How do I know if I have enough bone for an implant?
Dr. Lee uses digital imaging to precisely measure your bone density during the consultation. If grafting is needed, he will explain the process and timeline clearly.
Does Desert Family Dental offer sedation during implant surgery?
Yes. We offer sedation dentistry to ensure complete comfort. Many patients report little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
What happens during an implant consultation?
Your consultation includes digital X rays, a comprehensive exam, medical history review, gum health assessment, and a detailed discussion of your treatment options and costs. There is never any pressure to commit.
Do you place implants in your office?
Yes. Dr. Lee handles the entire dental implant process in our Mesa office, from consultation through final crown placement. No outside referrals needed.
What are my options if I’m not a candidate?
Dr. Lee may recommend dental bridges, dentures, or overdentures. Each option is explained clearly so you can make an informed decision.
Ready to find out if dental implants are right for you? The first step is a consultation with Dr. Lee. He will evaluate your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand all your options with zero pressure.
Our friendly team is ready to welcome you. Whether you lost a tooth recently or years ago, whether this is your first time considering implants or you have been researching for months, we are here to give you the answers you need.
Call Desert Family Dental at (480) 485-7747 to schedule your implant consultation, or contact us online. We’re located at 1760 W Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201.
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