Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? Dr. Moosavi Answers Your Top Questions
Oct 3, 2025
Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, offering a permanent, natural-feeling solution. But it's a significant decision, and the first question nearly everyone asks is, "Will they actually work for me?" The answer depends on a few key factors.
To help you understand who can get dental implants, our implant expert, Dr. Ehsan Moosavi, has answered some of the most common questions we hear from our patients in West New York.
Understanding the Core Requirements for Implants
To determine who can get dental implants, we focus on creating a stable and healthy foundation for the new tooth.
Q: What is the single most important factor for a successful dental implant? A: Without a doubt, it's having adequate jawbone density. A dental implant is a small titanium post that acts as a new tooth root. For it to be successful, it must fuse directly with the surrounding bone in a process called osseointegration. If the bone is too thin or soft, it cannot create the strong anchor the implant needs to support a crown.
Q: What happens if I've been told I don't have enough bone? Does that disqualify me? A: Not at all. This is a very common situation, especially if a tooth has been missing for a long time, which can cause the jawbone to shrink. In these cases, we often perform a bone grafting procedure. This is a safe and highly effective technique where we add bone material to your jaw to rebuild its volume and create the necessary support for the implant. This procedure has made it possible for many more people to become a dental implants candidate.
Health, Age, and Other Candidacy Factors
Q: How does my general health affect my ability to get implants? A: Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall health. To ensure proper healing, it's important that any chronic conditions, such as diabetes, are well-managed. We also discuss lifestyle habits; for example, smoking can hinder the healing process and lower the success rate of implants. During your implant consultation, we will thoroughly review your medical history to ensure the procedure is safe and predictable for you.
Q: Is there an age limit for dental implants? A: There is no upper age limit for getting dental implants. We have successfully helped patients in their 80s and 90s regain the ability to chew and smile with confidence. As long as you are in good general health, you can be a candidate. There is, however, a minimum age, as we need to wait until the jaw has fully developed, which is typically in the late teens or early twenties.
The Only Way to Know for Sure: Your Personal Implant Consultation
While this guide is helpful, the only definitive way to determine your candidacy is through a one-on-one consultation. At Veda Family Dentistry, we use advanced 3D CBCT imaging to get a precise look at your jawbone structure. Dr. Priya and Dr. Moosavi will provide a thorough evaluation, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Stop wondering if a permanent smile solution is right for you and get a clear answer.
