Who Is NOT A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

At Riverside Tooth Co., dental implants are one of Dr. Sandhu’s specialties in Riverside. Dental implants are the most natural, long-lasting, and cost-effective method of replacing one or multiple missing teeth.

And while most people are good candidates for treatment, that’s not always the case. There are some factors that can rule you out as a good candidate for dental implants. And in this blog from Riverside Tooth Co., we’ll take a look at seven of these factors. 

1. SMOKING AND TOBACCO USE

If you smoke or use oral tobacco of any kind, you are not a good candidate for dental implants. Tobacco use is associated with a much higher risk of implant failure. Smoking slows down the healing process and increases your risk of a wide variety of infections and implant complications. 

If you’re a smoker and want to get dental implants, you must stop smoking completely for at least two months to ensure that your implants heal properly. This is a great chance to quit smoking for good! 

2. UNCONTROLLED AND EXTENSIVE GUM DISEASE

If you have serious gum disease and it’s not under control, you cannot get dental implants. Gum disease damages the gums, teeth, and jaw bone. Unless you’re getting proper gum disease treatment, this means you can’t safely get dental implant surgery. 

However, if you do get proper periodontal care to manage your gum disease, as well as any necessary preparatory surgeries like gum grafts, you may still be able to get dental implants, even if you do have gum disease.

3. POORLY-CONTROLLED DIABETES

If you have diabetes and you are not controlling your condition properly, it can slow down healing and raise the risk of dental implant complications. However, if you are keeping your blood sugar under control and are living a healthy lifestyle, you are likely a good candidate for dental implants, even if you have diabetes.

4. CERTAIN MEDICATIONS AND AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

There are some medications like blood thinners and steroids that may complicate dental implant treatment. Some autoimmune diseases are also associated with a higher risk of implant failure. 

If you are interested in dental implants, we recommend consulting with your physician to learn if your condition may affect your candidacy. You should also discuss your health conditions and medications that you’re taking with your Riverside dentist during your dental implant consultation.

5. PAST OR CURRENT RADIATION THERAPY

If you are currently or have received radiation therapy to your face and neck in the past, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants. 

It’s best to consult with your oncologist to learn more. In some cases, you may still be able to get dental implants depending on the amount of radiation you received, and how long ago you underwent radiation therapy.

6. POOR OVERALL PHYSICAL HEALTH

Like any other surgery, dental implant surgery is stressful, and requires your body to be healthy so that it can heal properly. If you are not in good health due to chronic health conditions and other such problems, you may not be a good candidate for dental implants until your health improves.

7. INSUFFICIENT JAW BONE DEVELOPMENT IN TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS

Age is a factor for dental implant candidacy. There is no “upper limit” for dental implants. Even older seniors can be treated successfully with dental implants. However, there is a lower limit. 

Teenagers and young adults typically cannot be treated with dental implants until their jaw bones have fully developed. In some cases, the jaw may continue to develop into the early 20s. If your jaw bone has not yet fully developed, you will need to wait to get dental implants.

FIND OUT IF YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE – COME TO RIVERSIDE TOOTH CO. TODAY!

At Riverside Tooth Co., Dr. Sandhu and our team are here to help you get the dental care you need. If you’re interested in dental implants in Riverside, you can contact us online or give us a call at (951) 435-8264 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sandhu, and see if you’re a good candidate. We’re always accepting new patients, so get in touch today.