Dental implants are one of the most trusted solutions for replacing missing teeth—and for good reason. They’re strong, long-lasting, and look incredibly natural. In fact, over 5 million dental implants are placed in the U.S. every year.
But implants aren’t for everyone. To get the best results, your mouth—and your body—need to meet a few important criteria. The good news? Many people who think they’re not candidates actually are.
At Fountain of Youth Dental in San Antonio, we’ve helped patients of all ages and backgrounds achieve life-changing smiles with implants. If you’re wondering whether this is the right choice for you, here’s what you need to know.
What Makes Someone a Good Dental Implant Candidate?
The basic idea behind an implant is simple: a titanium post is placed into the jawbone, then topped with a crown, bridge, or denture. But for that post to hold strong and last for years, it needs a healthy, stable foundation.
In general, great candidates for dental implants share a few core traits:
- Good oral hygiene habits and healthy gums
- Sufficient bone volume in the jaw
- No active infections or untreated gum disease
- Willingness to follow post-op care instructions
Even if you don’t check every box right now, there are often ways to improve your situation and become a strong candidate. We’ve seen it happen many times.
Age and Dental Implants
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Am I too old—or too young—for implants?”
The answer is usually no. We place implants in adults of all ages. The only real age-related restriction is that the jawbone needs to be fully developed. That means implants aren’t typically recommended for teens until they’re at least 18, or sometimes a bit older depending on growth.
On the other end of the spectrum, there’s no upper age limit. As long as you’re healthy and your jawbone is strong enough to support the implant, age doesn’t matter. We’ve helped many seniors restore their smiles with long-lasting implants—and we’d be happy to do the same for you.
Bone Health and Jaw Strength
Your jawbone is the foundation for a successful dental implant. If there’s not enough bone to hold the implant, it may not stay in place.
This is a common issue when a tooth has been missing for a while. The bone in that area naturally starts to shrink. The good news? We can rebuild it with a procedure called bone grafting.
Before anything gets placed, we use advanced 3D imaging to scan your mouth and measure your bone levels. If needed, we’ll recommend bone grafting to strengthen the area before moving forward.
It may add time to your overall treatment, but it gives your implant the support it needs to thrive.
Gum Health and Oral Hygiene
Healthy gums are critical for implant success. If you have active gum disease or signs of infection, we’ll need to treat those issues first.
That’s because gum infections can spread to the area around your implant, leading to a condition called peri-implantitis. It’s like gum disease, but around an implant—and it can lead to failure if left untreated.
But don’t worry. If you’re committed to improving your oral health, we’ll support you with cleanings, education, and personalized guidance. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be willing.
Overall Health Considerations
Your general health also plays a role in whether you’re a good candidate for implants. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, immune disorders, or recent chemotherapy can affect healing.
That doesn’t automatically disqualify you. It just means we may need to coordinate with your primary care doctor or specialist to ensure everything’s managed safely.
We’ll review your full health history, talk about medications, and go over any concerns before creating a personalized treatment plan.
Smoking and Dental Implants
We’re not here to judge—but we do need to be real. Smoking increases the risk of implant failure. It reduces blood flow, slows healing, and makes infections more likely.
If you’re a smoker, we strongly encourage quitting (even temporarily) before and after your procedure. It can make a big difference in the outcome.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready, we’re happy to talk through it. You deserve to feel confident about every step of the process.
Medications That May Affect Healing
Certain medications—like steroids, bisphosphonates, or immune suppressants—can impact healing and bone integration.
If you’re taking anything that might be a concern, bring it up during your consultation. We’ll assess the risk, consult with your physician if needed, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Transparency is key. The more we know, the better we can care for you.
What Happens During a Dental Implant Consultation?
If you’re thinking about dental implants, the first step is a consultation. This is where we gather all the information needed to create a safe, personalized plan.
Here’s what your visit will typically include:
- Full medical and dental history review
- Digital 3D scans of your teeth and jaw
- Clinical exam of your mouth and gums
- Conversation about your goals and concerns
After your visit, we’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you decide if implants are the right fit for your smile.
What If I’m Not a Candidate Yet?
If you’re not quite ready for implants today, that’s okay. Many patients need a little prep work first—and that’s what we’re here for.
We might recommend procedures like:
- Bone grafting to build up thin bone areas
- Gum disease treatment or deep cleanings
- Tooth extractions or sinus lifts (for upper implants)
With the right care, many people who start out as borderline candidates end up having successful, long-lasting implants.
Ready to Learn More?
We’re here to help you find out if dental implants are right for you—and to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or rebuilding your entire smile, we’ll work together to build a plan that makes sense for your health, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Call Fountain of Youth Dental at (210) 614-5481 to schedule your consultation. Let’s take the first step toward your new smile together.
