Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking tooth replacement options available today. They restore not only your smile but also your ability to chew, speak, and live confidently. However, not everyone is an immediate candidate for implants. Certain qualities—both in oral health and overall health—can significantly increase the likelihood of treatment success. If you’re considering dental implants, here are the 6 top traits that make someone a good candidate.
1. Good Oral Health
Healthy gums and teeth (or, at least, healthy surrounding teeth) are essential for a strong foundation. If you have gum disease or untreated cavities, these issues need to be addressed before implant surgery. Gum infections can weaken your jawbone and compromise the stability of an implant, so dentists will always prioritize treating these conditions first.
2. Adequate Jawbone Density
A dental implant is anchored directly into the jawbone, so you need enough bone volume and density to support it. If your jawbone has shrunk due to tooth loss or gum disease, a bone graft may be necessary before placing an implant. Healthy bone ensures that the implant integrates properly, providing long-term stability.
3. Good Overall Health
Dental implants require minor oral surgery, so candidates should be healthy enough to heal well afterward. Chronic conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, immune system disorders, or heavy smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants—it just means your dentist will want to manage these issues first.
4. Non-Smoking or Willing to Quit
Smoking greatly increases the risk of implant failure because it reduces blood flow to the gums, slows healing, and makes the mouth more susceptible to infection. If you’re a smoker and considering implants, quitting before and after the procedure can dramatically improve your chances of success.
5. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Implants can’t get cavities, but the gums and bone around them can still become infected. A good candidate is someone who’s committed to brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting the dentist for routine checkups. This helps ensure the implant stays healthy for decades.
6. Patience and Realistic Expectations
The implant process can take several months from start to finish, especially if bone grafting or other preparatory treatments are needed. Good candidates understand that patience pays off, and they have realistic expectations about the timeline and results.
A good dental implant candidate is in good oral and overall health, has sufficient jawbone density, avoids smoking, and is committed to excellent dental care. Even if you don’t meet every criterion right away, advancements in dentistry—like bone grafting and gum treatments—mean more people than ever can become candidates. The best first step is scheduling a consultation with an experienced implant dentist, who can create a personalized plan to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
About the Practice
Here at Sound Dentistry, we have the solution for a stronger foundation for your smile: dental implants! With a board-certified prosthodontist and periodontist on staff, you can bet that you’re going to get the best treatment available when it comes to your implants. We use natural-looking restorations to enhance aesthetics and a cone beam imaging system for improved planning. We’d love to begin your journey to a new smile with you. Just head on over to our website to easily schedule an appointment or call our South Easton office at (508) 230-3737.