Implant suitability
Suitability for dental implants
Dental implants are a way of replacing missing teeth. Most adults can have dental implants, but there are a few exceptions. Every case is different, and your dentist will discuss in detail the solutions that’ll work for you during your initial consultation.
Certain lifestyle habits, medical conditions and treatments can affect how an implant heals and also impact the gum and bone surrounding your implants.
If you aren’t a suitable candidate for dental implants, your dentist can talk you through alternative options for missing teeth, which might include bridges or dentures.
Interested in dental implants?
Get in touch with your nearest Bupa practice. They can help you book your initial consultation and answer any queries.
When are dental implants not recommended?
You have had radiotherapy in or around your jaw
You have diabetes that isn’t well controlled
You smoke (including e-cigarettes) or chew tobacco
Implants and gum disease
Your mouth needs to be in a healthy condition before you can have implants. If you have active gum disease, you won’t be able to have dental implants. Gum disease creates an environment that increases the risk of infection around dental implants. This can lead to the failure and even loss of the implant.
Gum disease can be managed using regular hygiene treatment, antibiotics or surgery, depending on how severe it is. Once your gum disease is under control, you might be able to have implants. Your dentist will give you a clear treatment plan when you visit them for your consultation.
Implants and smoking
If you smoke, your dentist will recommend that you give up before you have your implant fitted.
It’s possible to have dental implants if you smoke, but the procedure can be more complicated and is more likely to fail. This is because smoking causes a number of adverse effects on your oral health, including a dry mouth (where the bacteria that cause gum disease can grow) and reduced blood flow, which slows the healing process and the integration of the implant into your jawbone.
The first few weeks after implant surgery are when this integration process starts and the bone begins to fuse with your implant. Smoking during this time can significantly increase the chance of infection. Smoking after this period can lead to bone deterioration around your implants, causing them to fail.
How will I know if I’m suitable for implants?
The first step to deciding whether implants are right for you is to see your dentist for an initial consultation.
During your consultation, your dentist will go through your medical history in detail. You’ll have a clinical assessment where your dentist will explain whether implants are an option for you. They’ll also talk you through other solutions that might be right for you.
If you’re able to have implants, your dentist will talk you through the best type of implants for you; and tell you if you need any supporting treatment before the procedure, such as hygiene treatment, bone grafting or sinus lifts.
"In some situations where there is a lack of bone, implant placement can be a little more difficult than usual. We normally assess the quantity and quality of bone using a CT scan before we begin your implant treatment. If there’s a reduced amount of bone available, we can sometimes consider a bone grafting procedure before or at the time of implant placement."
"Some people are at a higher risk of implant failure. These include people who have had a history of gum disease or smoking. People with uncontrolled diabetes also have a decreased chance of success. On top of that, there may be some additional medical conditions or medications and ongoing medical treatments where undergoing a surgical procedure may not be advised. Your implant dentist will undertake a thorough risk assessment to determine your suitability for implant treatment and advise you accordingly."
Faizan Zaheer, Head of Clinical Operations
Dental implants can be suitable for adults of all ages but aren’t recommended for those under 18 as the jaw is still growing.
Most people are suitable for dental implants. However, the chances of your body rejecting the implant are increased in some cases. For example, if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, that isn’t under control, this could lessen your chances of success.
Some lifestyle habits can affect how successful your implant might be, such as smoking, using e-cigarettes or taking recreational drugs. If you smoke, your dentist will advise you to give up as it can slow healing and affect gum health.
Some people may need supporting treatment before having implants, such as a bone graft or a sinus lift. This is needed when there isn’t enough bone in your jaw to support the implant.
Receding gums could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease can result in bone loss around your teeth, which can cause your teeth to become loose over time and potentially fall out. Most gum disease can be prevented, or treated, but some people are very susceptible.
Gum disease can affect implants in the same way, which is known as peri-implant disease. This can cause rapid bone loss and is much more difficult to treat.
In all cases, any degree of gum disease should be treated and eradicated before implants are placed.
Your implant will be placed directly into your jawbone, so your dentist needs to ensure you have enough bone to support the implant, in the area of placement.
If this isn’t the case, your implant dentist might recommend a bone graft. Although it may sound daunting, it’s not uncommon and your implant dentist will be there for you every step of the way.
More about dental implants
What is a dental implant?
Find out everything you need to know about implants.
Alternatives to implants
If you aren’t suitable for implants, don’t worry. There are plenty more options for restoring missing teeth.
Benefits of dental implants
Find out what the benefits of dental implants are.
Supporting treatment
Why you might need supporting treatment before having an implant fitted and what to expect.
Types of implants
What are the different types of implant treatment available?
Why choose Bupa Dental Care for your implants
More about our implant services at Bupa Dental Care.
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Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. For a list of all our different trading names please follow this link.
