Who are implants suitable for?

Most people with missing teeth can be considered for implant treatment. If one or a few teeth are missing, dental implants in conjunction with a crown or bridge can replace those teeth without loosing more bone. If all or most of your teeth are missing, the dental implants may be placed to replace a loose fitting full or partial denture. Dentures may be secured by implants.

Occasionally general health reasons may preclude the provision of dentures, although if you're healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you're probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases such as diabetes may prevent implant treatment, as will very heavy smoking or alcohol consumption.

An implant has to be placed into healthy bone in the jaw, and this bone needs to be adequate to support the implant. Sometimes too much bone has been lost and implants cannot be prescribed. This may be overcome with bone augmentation procedures where the missing bone is built up by surgical procedures. Healthy gums are also needed and all periodontal disease should be eliminated or controlled, and oral hygiene should be very good.

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits that dental implants offer. This is not a specific contraindication in itself, as health is more of a determining factor than age.