Whether you can have dental implants will be decided after an assessment by your dentist. Although the vast majority of implant patients are suitable, there a few circumstances which will either delay treatment or make it not possible for treatment to be given.

Current Dental Health
If the patient is suffering from poor dental health such as gum disease, an abscess or even bad breath; these conditions will have to be treated prior to the implant surgery. There must also be a sufficient amount of bone in a specific area of the lower jaw where the alveolar nerve passes through if the implant is to be placed in that region of the mouth.
The dentist will also use a CT scan or multiple x-rays to determine whether there is a suitable jaw bone structure and density for the implant to be placed. If there is insufficient bone to hold an implant a bone-graft procedure can be carried out to provide a suitable foundation for the implant.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Some pre-existing medical conditions may prevent dental implant treatment from being provided. These include uncontrolled type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure, Bruxism (grinding of teeth) or Cancer.

If the patient is suffering from uncontrolled type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure the healing process may be extended due to poor levels of blood circulation. In such cases, a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis depending on the specific circumstances of the individual and the extent of the dental work to be carried out.

The patient may not be suitable if they suffer from Bruxism (the grinding of teeth) which can often be a result of a nervous condition. This is because dental implants are securely fixed in place and are not able to absorb shock caused by horizontal and vertical forces - unlike natural teeth.

Dental implants are not suitable for individuals being treated for cancer and some other auto-immune diseases.

Lifestyle Considerations
Other considerations which may be taken into account include the lifestyle of the patient. Many cosmetic dentists will refuse treatment if the patient is a smoker and/or a heavy drinker. Smoking and drinking inhibit and lengthen the healing process and patients are usually required to abstain from both for the entire length of the treatment; which is usually 6 months but can be as long as a year if a bone graft is required.

Age Restrictions
In most adolescents under the age of 19 the jawbone would not be fully developed and therefore not suitable to receive an implant. Patients just over the age of 19 would have to be assessed to determine the level of development of the jaw bone.

There is no upper age limit to receive implants as long as the patient has adequate oral health and good general health. It is common for patients who are well into their 80’s to receive such treatment.

There are many considerations to be taken into account when deciding whether a patient is suitable for treatment, and in many cases remedial treatment can be used prior to the implant to resolve pre-existing conditions. As a general rule, if the patient is healthy and they are willing to follow an adequate dental hygiene routine they will be eligible to receive dental implants.