Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants? Key Factors Dentists Assess

Dental implants are small titanium posts placed into the jawbone to replace the roots of missing teeth. Once integrated with the bone, they support replacement crowns, bridges or dentures that look and function much like natural teeth. For many adults in London who have lost one or more teeth, implants offer a stable, long-term alternative to conventional dentures or bridges.

However, dental implants are not automatically suitable for everyone. Before recommending treatment, your dentist will carry out a thorough assessment to determine whether implants are a safe and appropriate option for your individual situation. This article outlines the main factors that are considered during that assessment, so you can arrive at your consultation feeling informed and prepared.

Please note that this article provides general information only and does not replace a clinical examination or personalised advice from your dentist. At our dental implant clinic in South Kensington, we are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) and regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and we are committed to providing honest, balanced guidance.

Common Reasons People Worry They Might Not Be Suitable

It is very common for patients to arrive at a consultation wondering whether they can have dental implants at all. Some of the concerns we hear most often include:

• "I lost my teeth years ago — is it too late?"
• "I have been told I have gum problems."
• "I am older — am I too old for implants?"
• "I smoke — does that rule me out?"
• "I am very nervous about dental treatment."

These are all understandable concerns, and none of them automatically means that implants are impossible. In some cases, extra planning, preparatory treatment or lifestyle adjustments may be needed. In others, alternative approaches to replacing missing teeth may be more appropriate. The key point is that only an in-person assessment can provide a clear, personalised answer.

Overall Health and Medical Conditions

Your general health plays an important role in dental implant suitability. The implant placement procedure is a minor surgical intervention, and your body needs to heal effectively afterwards for the implant to integrate with the jawbone.

Certain medical conditions can influence how well the body heals. For example, uncontrolled diabetes may slow healing and increase the risk of infection, while conditions that affect the immune system or bone metabolism may also need careful consideration. Some medications — such as certain blood-thinning drugs or treatments for osteoporosis — may require discussion with your GP or medical specialist before implant treatment can proceed.

Your dentist will take a detailed medical history as part of the assessment and, where necessary, liaise with your doctor to ensure that implant treatment is safe for you. Having a medical condition does not always rule out implants, but safety and the likelihood of a successful outcome are always the priority.

Gum Health and History of Gum Disease

Healthy gums are essential for supporting both natural teeth and dental implants. Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is one of the most common dental conditions linked to tooth loss, and it is also a significant factor in implant suitability.

Active, untreated gum disease creates an environment where bacteria can thrive. If an implant is placed into an area with ongoing infection, the risk of complications increases. A condition called peri-implantitis — an infection around the implant — can develop, potentially leading to bone loss around the implant and, in some cases, implant failure.

For this reason, dentists will generally want to see gum disease brought under control before implant treatment begins. This usually involves a course of periodontal treatment and a period of monitoring to ensure the condition is stable.

If you have had gum disease in the past but your condition is now well managed, you may still be a suitable candidate for dental implants. Close monitoring and a strong commitment to oral hygiene will be important factors in long-term success.

Bone Levels and Jawbone Quality

One of the most important factors in dental implant suitability is the amount and quality of bone in your jaw. The implant post needs to be placed into bone that is dense enough and deep enough to hold it securely — much like a foundation needs to be solid to support a building.

After a tooth is lost, the surrounding jawbone can gradually shrink over time. This is a natural process known as bone resorption, and it tends to be more pronounced the longer a gap is left without a tooth root — or an implant — to stimulate the bone. This is one reason why some patients who lost teeth many years ago may have reduced bone levels.

Your dentist will assess your bone levels through a clinical examination and appropriate dental X-rays. If there is not enough bone to support an implant, additional procedures such as bone grafting or a sinus lift may be recommended to build up the area. These are well-established techniques, but they do add time and cost to the overall treatment plan.

Not everyone who has lost bone will need a graft. The decision is always made on a case-by-case basis, and your dentist will explain clearly whether any additional procedures are recommended and why.

Oral Hygiene Habits and Commitment to Maintenance

Dental implants are not a "fit and forget" solution. Like natural teeth, they require consistent care to stay healthy over the long term. One of the factors your dentist will consider is whether you are willing and able to commit to the level of oral hygiene and professional maintenance that implants need.

Day-to-day care involves brushing at least twice a day, cleaning around the implants with interdental brushes or floss, and following any additional instructions your dentist provides. Professional maintenance — including regular check-ups and hygiene appointments — is also important, as it allows your dental team to monitor the health of your implants and the surrounding gums.

Patients who are not able to maintain adequate oral hygiene, whether due to physical limitations or other factors, may face a higher risk of complications. In these situations, your dentist may suggest alternative ways to replace missing teeth that are easier to clean and maintain.

Smoking, Lifestyle Factors and Dental Implants

Smoking is one of the most significant lifestyle factors that can affect dental implant outcomes. Tobacco use restricts blood flow to the gums and bone, which can slow healing after implant placement and reduce the likelihood of successful osseointegration — the process by which the implant bonds with the jawbone.

Research consistently shows that smokers have a higher rate of implant complications compared to non-smokers. This does not mean that all smokers are ruled out, but it is a factor that your dentist will discuss openly with you. If you smoke, you will likely be encouraged to reduce or stop — ideally before treatment begins and during the healing period — and your dental team can advise on support options available to help.

Other lifestyle factors may also be relevant. Teeth grinding (bruxism), for example, can place excessive force on implants and the restorations they support. If bruxism is identified, your dentist may recommend a protective night splint to help manage the condition and protect your investment.

Age and Dental Implant Suitability

A question we hear regularly is whether there is an upper age limit for dental implants. In general, there is no strict age cut-off. Many patients in their seventies, eighties and beyond have had dental implants placed successfully, provided their overall health, bone levels and oral hygiene allow for it.

What matters more than age is the individual's clinical picture. Bone quality, medical conditions, medication use and the ability to maintain good oral hygiene tend to be far more relevant than a number on a birthday card. If you are an older adult considering implants, it is entirely reasonable to enquire — and a full assessment will give you and your dentist the information needed to make a shared decision.

It is worth noting that dental implants are generally not placed in young people whose jaws are still growing. For younger patients with missing teeth, your dentist can discuss interim solutions until the jaw has finished developing.

Situations Where Dental Implants May Not Be Recommended

While dental implants are suitable for many people, there are circumstances where they may not be the most appropriate option — at least not straight away. Examples include:

• Uncontrolled medical conditions that significantly impair healing.
• Active, untreated gum disease or other oral infections.
• Insufficient bone that cannot be adequately restored with grafting.
• An inability to maintain the level of oral hygiene needed for long-term implant health.
• Certain lifestyle factors or habits that substantially increase the risk of complications.

In these situations, your dentist may recommend stabilising your oral or general health first before revisiting the question of implants. Alternatively, other ways to replace missing teeth may be suggested. The priority is always patient safety, comfort and the best achievable long-term outcome — not simply fitting an implant because it has been requested.

Alternative Options If Implants Are Not Suitable

If dental implants are not recommended for your situation, other effective options for replacing missing teeth are available. These include:

• Removable dentures — modern dentures are lighter, more comfortable and more natural-looking than many people expect. They can be a practical choice for patients who are not candidates for implants. You can read more about replacing missing teeth with modern dentures.
• Fixed bridges — a dental bridge uses neighbouring teeth to support one or more replacement teeth. Bridges can provide a fixed, stable solution, though they do require preparation of the adjacent teeth.
• Implant-retained dentures — for patients who have some bone and are looking for improved denture stability, using implants to stabilise dentures may be considered as a middle ground between conventional dentures and a fully fixed implant restoration.

Discussing alternatives is not a failure — it is part of a thorough, patient-centred approach to care. Your dentist will explain the benefits and limitations of each option so that you can make an informed choice that suits your circumstances.

What to Expect at a Dental Implant Suitability Assessment in London

If you are wondering whether you can have dental implants, arranging a suitability assessment is the most straightforward way to find out. Here is what typically happens during an assessment at our clinic:

• Medical and dental history. Your dentist will ask about your general health, any medications you take, and your dental history, including how and when teeth were lost.
• Clinical examination. Your teeth, gums and jaw will be examined to assess the current condition of your oral health.
• Dental X-rays. Where clinically appropriate, X-rays may be taken to evaluate bone levels and the structures beneath the gum line.
• Discussion of options. Your dentist will explain whether implants appear suitable for you, discuss any preparatory treatment that might be needed, and outline alternative approaches where relevant — including, in some situations, the option of doing nothing for now.

The assessment is an opportunity for you to ask questions and for your dentist to provide clear, honest answers. There is no pressure to commit to any particular treatment on the day.

Next Steps — Discuss Your Suitability for Dental Implants

If you have been thinking about dental implants in London but are unsure whether they are right for you, a consultation is the best place to start. Whether your concern is bone loss, gum disease, a medical condition, smoking or simply not knowing what is involved, a face-to-face assessment will give you the clarity you need.

During your consultation, the dentist will explain the findings, discuss the benefits and limitations of different treatment options, and — where appropriate — provide a written treatment plan and cost estimate. You are under no obligation to proceed, and you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you need to feel confident in your decision.

To take the next step, please book a dental implant suitability consultation in London. Our team is here to help you understand your options and find the right approach for your individual situation.

This article provides general information about dental implant suitability and is not a substitute for personalised dental advice. Suitability, treatment outcomes and timelines vary between individuals. Please consult your dentist for guidance specific to your situation.