“Nearly 3 million Americans already have dental implants, and that number grows by 500,000 every year.”
That’s because dental implants aren’t just about teeth—they’re about freedom. Freedom to eat what you love. Freedom to smile without hiding. Freedom to stop worrying about a loose denture.
But the truth is… not everyone is a perfect candidate for dental implants right out of the gate. And that’s okay.
At Laguna Heights Dental, we work with patients in Laguna Niguel every day to figure out if implants are the right move—and if they’re not yet, what we can do to get them there.
So, let’s talk about what makes someone a good dental implant candidate, and what might require a little prep work first.
The Basics: What We Look For First
When you come in for a dental implant consultation, here’s what we’re evaluating:
- Are you in good general health?
- Do you have healthy gums?
- Is there enough bone to support the implant?
That’s the foundation. Literally and figuratively.
Let’s Talk Bone
Implants need strong, dense bone to hold them in place. If the bone is too soft or thin, it may not support the implant.
But here’s the good news: bone loss doesn’t have to be the end of the road. We have options.
- Bone grafting to build the jaw back up
- Mini implants for patients with limited bone
- Zygomatic implants (rare cases only)
Using 3D scans, we can measure your bone density and determine what will work best. It’s all part of the process.
Gum Health Is Huge
Gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding? Not a great environment for an implant.
If there’s active gum disease (aka periodontitis), we need to treat it first. Otherwise, the infection can spread and cause the implant to fail.
Our team offers deep cleanings and targeted periodontal care to get your gums back in shape.
Smoking and Healing: A Tricky Combo
Smoking reduces blood flow. Less blood flow means slower healing.
Implants rely on the body’s ability to heal and fuse to bone. That’s why we recommend quitting (even temporarily) before and after surgery. Many of our patients actually use this as their reason to quit for good. And we’re all for that.
Age Isn’t a Deal Breaker
A lot of older patients ask us, “Am I too old for dental implants?”
Short answer? No.
We have patients in their 70s and 80s who get implants with great results. As long as you’re healthy and meet the other criteria, age is not a disqualifier.
Health Conditions That May Affect Implant Candidacy
Certain medical issues might affect healing or bone integration:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders
- Osteoporosis (especially if you’re taking bisphosphonates)
- Radiation treatment to the head or neck
These don’t always rule implants out, but they do require careful planning. We may ask to coordinate with your physician or adjust your treatment timeline.
Medications That Matter
Blood thinners, immunosuppressants, or certain cancer treatments can affect healing. Always tell us what you’re taking so we can evaluate safely.
Are You Committed to Aftercare?
An implant isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of deal. You need to brush, floss, and visit us regularly. Patients who are committed to daily oral care and follow-up visits tend to have the highest long-term success rates.
We’ll give you all the tools and guidance you need. But you’ll need to show up for your smile, too.
What If You’re Not a Candidate Yet?
Don’t stress. You might just need a few things addressed first:
- Gum disease treatment
- Bone grafting
- A break from smoking
- A consult with your physician
We’ll walk you through it all. And when the time is right, we’ll be ready.
Book Your Implant Consultation in Laguna Niguel
If you’re thinking about dental implants, come talk to us.
At Laguna Heights Dental, we’re all about honest conversations and custom care. We’ll look at your health, your goals, and your smile—then give you a clear answer.
No pressure. Just possibilities.
Call us or book online today to get started.
