Am I suitable for dental implants?
Most adults who have lost one or more teeth can be considered for dental implant treatment. Age alone does not usually determine whether dental implants are suitable. Your general health, dental health, available bone and individual circumstances are much more important.
I have been placing dental implants since 1988, and every patient I see is different. The purpose of an implant assessment is to understand your individual situation and decide whether dental implants are an appropriate option for you.
What do you need to be suitable for dental implants?
Healthy gums and a mouth that is stable enough for treatment are important. If you have active gum disease, tooth decay or another dental problem, this may need attention before implant treatment begins.
I will also assess the bone in the area where an implant may be placed. Losing a tooth causes the bone in that area to change over time, so the amount of available bone varies considerably between patients.
Having reduced bone does not automatically mean that you cannot have dental implants. Depending on your circumstances, there may be different implant options or bone grafting may be considered.
Does my general health affect dental implant treatment?
Your general health forms an important part of the assessment.
I will ask about your medical history, any health conditions you have and the medicines you take. Some medical conditions and medications can affect healing or influence how implant treatment should be planned.
Smoking is also important because it can increase the risk of problems with dental implants and the tissues surrounding them.
Having a medical condition does not necessarily mean that you cannot have implants. It means that I need to understand your health before recommending treatment.
Am I too old for dental implants?
There is no fixed upper age limit for dental implants.
I am much more interested in your health and individual circumstances than your date of birth. Patients in their 70s, 80s and beyond may still be suitable for implant treatment.
The important question is whether treatment is appropriate for you and whether it is likely to provide a worthwhile benefit.
What if I have been told I don’t have enough bone?
This does not necessarily rule out implant treatment.
Modern implant dentistry offers several approaches for patients with reduced bone. The right option depends on where teeth are missing, the amount and quality of bone available and the type of replacement teeth being considered.
Where appropriate, imaging such as a CBCT scan can provide detailed information about the bone and surrounding structures. This helps me determine whether implants can be placed safely and how treatment should be planned.
Will I need to see a dental hygienist?
Looking after dental implants is an important part of their long-term success.
Dental implants cannot develop tooth decay, but the tissues around them can become inflamed if plaque and biofilm are not controlled.
Good cleaning at home and regular professional maintenance are therefore important. How often you need to see a dental hygienist will depend on your individual needs rather than following the same timetable for every patient.
How will I know if dental implants are suitable for me?
The starting point is a dental implant consultation and assessment.
I will examine your mouth, discuss your medical and dental history and ask what you would like treatment to achieve. Where necessary, appropriate imaging can help me assess the available bone and plan your treatment.
If dental implants are suitable, I will explain the options available to you. If I believe another approach would be more appropriate, I will explain that too.
A consultation does not commit you to treatment. It gives us the opportunity to establish what is possible and allows you to understand your options before making a decision.