Most people who are considering dental implants are surprised to find that they are a suitable candidate. Implants have a well-established clinical history and are placed successfully in a wide range of patients, including older adults and those who were initially concerned about bone loss or underlying health conditions.
That said, not everyone is immediately suitable, and there are factors your dentist needs to assess before proceeding. This article explains what makes someone a good candidate, what conditions require attention first, and what the alternatives are for patients who are not currently suitable.
The information here is general in nature. The only way to know for certain whether implants are appropriate for your situation is a clinical assessment. For more information or to book a consultation, visit our dental implants page.
Article Summary
Most people are suitable candidates: The majority of adults with good general health and sufficient jawbone are eligible for implants. Age alone is rarely a barrier.
Key suitability factors: Sufficient jawbone density, healthy gums, no uncontrolled systemic health conditions, non-smoker or willingness to cease smoking around the procedure, and commitment to ongoing oral hygiene.
Bone loss does not automatically rule you out: Bone grafting is a well-established preparatory procedure that can rebuild jawbone before implant placement.
Conditions that require disclosure: Diabetes, osteoporosis, bisphosphonate medications, blood thinners, and active gum disease should all be discussed with your dentist at the consultation stage.
If implants are not suitable: Alternatives include dental bridges, implant-supported snap-on dentures, and high-quality removable dentures. Your dentist will always advise the most appropriate option for your situation.
The consultation: A clinical assessment including X-rays or a 3D cone beam scan is needed to determine suitability. This is the starting point for any implant decision.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
A good implant candidate is someone whose jaw, gums, and overall health can support the surgical placement of a titanium post and the healing process that follows. The key factors your dentist will assess are:
Sufficient Jawbone Density and Volume
The implant post is placed directly into the jawbone. For it to integrate successfully, there needs to be adequate bone height, width, and density at the implant site. Patients who have had a missing tooth for some time may have experienced some bone loss in that area, but this does not necessarily rule them out. Bone grafting is available to rebuild bone volume where needed.
Healthy Gums
Active gum disease (periodontitis) significantly increases the risk of implant failure and must be treated and controlled before implant placement. Patients with a history of gum disease who have received treatment and maintain good oral hygiene can still be suitable candidates. Your dentist will assess your gum health at the consultation.
Good General Health
Implant surgery is a minor surgical procedure carried out under local anaesthetic. Patients need to be in sufficiently good general health to undergo the procedure and heal well. Most adults with well-managed chronic conditions are suitable, though certain conditions and medications require specific consideration (covered below).
Non-Smoker or Willingness to Cease Smoking Around the Procedure
Smoking has a well-documented impact on implant outcomes. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants found that smokers have a significantly higher rate of implant complications and failure compared to non-smokers. Most dental teams recommend ceasing smoking for at least one week before placement and for a period during healing. If you currently smoke, discuss this openly with your dentist at the consultation.
Commitment to Ongoing Oral Hygiene and Check-Ups
Implants require the same standard of care as natural teeth: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing or interdental cleaning, and regular professional check-ups. Patients who are not able or willing to maintain this level of care have a higher risk of peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition around the implant that can lead to bone loss and implant failure over time.
Are Dental Implants Suitable for Older Patients?
Age is rarely a barrier to dental implants. Implants are placed successfully in patients in their 70s and 80s, and there is no upper age limit for the procedure. What matters clinically is bone quality, general health, and the absence of uncontrolled conditions that impair healing, not chronological age.
For younger patients, the situation is different. Implants are generally not placed in patients under 18, as the jaw is still developing. In some cases, dentists wait until the late teens or early 20s to ensure jaw development is complete. If you are enquiring on behalf of a younger person, your dentist can advise on the appropriate timing. For patients who have lost multiple teeth at any age, full arch implant options may also be worth exploring.
Health Conditions That Require Discussion Before Implant Placement
The following conditions do not automatically disqualify someone from having implants, but they require disclosure and careful clinical management:
Diabetes
Poorly controlled diabetes impairs wound healing and immune response, increasing the risk of infection and implant failure. Patients with well-controlled diabetes (demonstrated by consistent HbA1c levels within the recommended range) can be suitable implant candidates. The Australian Dental Association notes that collaboration between the patient’s GP and dentist is important where systemic conditions are present.
Osteoporosis and Bisphosphonate Medications
Patients taking bisphosphonate medications (commonly prescribed for osteoporosis) need to inform their dentist before any surgical dental procedure. Bisphosphonates can affect bone healing and are associated with a rare but serious condition called medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The Dental Board of Australia and relevant specialist guidelines recommend a thorough medication history before implant placement. This does not mean implants are impossible, but it requires careful assessment and coordination with the prescribing physician.
Blood Thinners and Anticoagulant Medications
Patients taking anticoagulant medications (such as warfarin, aspirin, or newer anticoagulants) need to discuss this with their dentist before surgery. In most cases, the procedure can proceed with appropriate management, but your dentist will need to liaise with your GP or specialist to confirm the safest approach.
Autoimmune Conditions and Immunosuppression
Patients whose immune system is significantly suppressed, whether due to a medical condition or immunosuppressant medication, have a higher risk of post-surgical infection. This does not automatically exclude implants but requires careful assessment and, where relevant, coordination with the treating specialist.
Radiation Therapy to the Head or Neck
Patients who have had radiation therapy to the jaw area may have compromised blood supply to the bone, which can significantly affect healing. Implant placement in irradiated bone requires specialist assessment and is approached on a case-by-case basis.
What If I Do Not Have Enough Bone? Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
Insufficient jawbone is one of the most common concerns patients raise when asking about implant suitability, and it is also one of the most frequently addressable.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone that previously supported the root gradually loses volume over time through a process called resorption. This is a normal biological response but can mean that patients who have had a missing tooth for some time, or who have worn dentures for years, may not have sufficient bone at the implant site without preparatory treatment.
| What bone grafting involves A bone graft is a procedure in which bone material is placed at the implant site to stimulate the regeneration of natural bone. The graft material may be sourced from the patient’s own body, from processed donor bone, or from synthetic materials that support bone growth. After the graft is placed, a healing period of several months is typically required before implant placement can proceed. Bone grafting is a well-established and commonly performed procedure in implant dentistry. It does add time and cost to the overall process. Your dentist will discuss whether grafting is needed and what is involved after reviewing your scan results. |
A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan provides a three-dimensional view of the jawbone and is the standard assessment tool used to determine bone volume, density, and the proximity of important anatomical structures such as the sinus floor and inferior alveolar nerve. This scan is typically part of the implant consultation process and is essential before any treatment plan is finalised.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
Dental implants are designed as a long-term tooth replacement solution. The titanium implant fixture integrates with the jawbone through osseointegration and, with good oral hygiene and regular professional maintenance, can remain stable for many years. A systematic review published in the International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants reported implant survival rates of approximately 95 to 98 percent over ten years across a large body of clinical studies.
The crown placed on top of the implant typically lasts 15 to 25 years before it may need replacing due to normal wear. The lifespan of the crown depends on the material used, where in the mouth it is placed, and the patient’s oral hygiene and habits.
Compared to a dental bridge, which typically lasts 10 to 15 years and may require replacement along with the supporting teeth, an implant is generally more cost-effective over a lifetime despite the higher upfront investment.
What About Patients Who Are Anxious About Surgery?
Dental anxiety is common and should not prevent you from exploring implants if you would otherwise be a suitable candidate. Implant placement is carried out under local anaesthetic in most cases, meaning the procedure itself is not painful, though the injections and the sensation of the procedure can be uncomfortable for anxious patients.
For patients with significant dental anxiety, twilight sedation is available at Affordable Dental. Twilight sedation (intravenous sedation) keeps you in a relaxed, semi-conscious state throughout the procedure. You remain able to respond to instructions but will have little or no memory of the appointment. It is a safe and well-established option for anxious dental patients and is administered and monitored by a trained professional.
What If Implants Are Not the Right Option for Me?
Not every patient is immediately suitable for implants, and in some cases implants may not be the most appropriate long-term option. This should be seen as a starting point for a different conversation, not a dead end.
Where suitability issues are present, there are often steps that can be taken:
- Active gum disease can be treated before implant planning begins
- Bone loss can often be addressed through bone grafting
- Health conditions such as poorly controlled diabetes can be optimised in collaboration with a GP before proceeding
- Smoking cessation support can be discussed with your GP or pharmacist
Where implants are genuinely not appropriate, the following alternatives may be suitable depending on the clinical situation:
| Alternative | When it may be appropriate |
| Dental bridge | Single or multiple missing teeth where adjacent teeth are already heavily restored. Fixed option without surgery. |
| Implant-supported snap-on denture | Multiple missing teeth or full arch. Provides more stability than a conventional denture with fewer implants than a fixed full arch. |
| High-quality removable denture | Where implants are not clinically feasible. Modern denture fabrication provides a significantly better fit and appearance than older generations of dentures. |
Our team will always recommend what is genuinely the most appropriate option for your situation. For patients with multiple missing teeth, our full arch implant solutions page provides information on All-on-4 and other comprehensive options.
Cost of Dental Implants and Payment Options
The cost of a dental implant varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether preparatory work such as bone grafting is required, and the specific components used. At Affordable Dental, single tooth implants start from approximately $3,990 (indicative only; actual fees will be provided in a written treatment plan following your assessment).
For patients who need multiple teeth replaced, costs will differ and will be outlined in a comprehensive treatment plan following consultation.
We offer a range of options to help manage the cost of implant treatment, including payment plans and superannuation early release. Superannuation early release for dental treatment is available under compassionate grounds applications through the Australian Tax Office (ATO) and Services Australia. Your dentist can provide a treatment plan to support this application if requested.
Book an Implant Consultation at Affordable Dental
The best way to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for dental implants is a clinical assessment with one of our dentists. The consultation includes an examination, a discussion of your dental and medical history, and in most cases imaging to assess your bone volume. There is no obligation to proceed, and you will leave with a clear understanding of your options and next steps.
Book an implant consultation at Affordable Dental at our clinics in Parramatta, Charlestown, East Maitland or Phillip – ACT. If you are anxious about the procedure, ask about twilight sedation when you book.