Missing teeth affect far more than your smile. They can make eating difficult, cause remaining teeth to shift, lead to bone loss in your jaw, and impact your confidence in social and professional situations. Dental implants have become the gold standard for tooth replacement because they look, feel, and function like natural teeth—but not everyone is automatically a candidate for this life-changing procedure.

If you've been considering dental implants, you probably have questions. Am I eligible? What factors determine candidacy? What if I've been told I'm not a good candidate—are there options to change that?

At Lubbock Dental Specialists, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons—Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Graves, and Dr. Wilkinson—specialize in dental implant placement for patients throughout Lubbock, Amarillo, and the Texas Panhandle. We believe in providing honest, thorough evaluations to help each patient understand their options and find the best path forward for their unique situation.

Let's explore what determines dental implant eligibility and what you can expect from the evaluation process.

What Are Dental Implants?

Before discussing eligibility, it helps to understand what dental implants actually are and how they work.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that's surgically placed into your jawbone, where it serves as an artificial tooth root. Over several months, the implant fuses with your natural bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, an abutment (connector piece) is attached to the implant, and a custom-made crown is placed on top to create a complete, functional tooth replacement.

Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth, multiple teeth using implant-supported bridges, or even an entire arch of teeth using techniques like All-on-4 implants. Unlike dentures, implants are permanently anchored in your jaw, so they won't slip or shift. Unlike bridges, they don't require altering adjacent healthy teeth.

The success rate for dental implants is remarkably high—typically over 95%—when patients are properly selected and the procedure is performed by experienced oral surgeons.

Key Factors That Determine Implant Eligibility

Several factors influence whether you're a good candidate for dental implants. During your consultation at Lubbock Dental Specialists, our oral surgeons will evaluate each of these areas to determine the best approach for your situation.

Adequate Jawbone Density and Volume

Perhaps the most critical factor for implant success is having sufficient jawbone to support the implant. The titanium post needs enough bone to anchor securely and undergo successful osseointegration.

When teeth are lost, the jawbone in that area begins to resorb (shrink) because it's no longer being stimulated by tooth roots. The longer teeth have been missing, the more bone loss typically occurs. This is why early evaluation after tooth loss is beneficial—though it certainly doesn't mean you're out of options if you've been missing teeth for years.

If you have inadequate bone volume, bone grafting procedures can often rebuild the jaw to support implants. Our surgeons perform various types of bone grafts, including socket preservation grafts at the time of extraction, ridge augmentation to rebuild width or height, sinus lifts to add bone in the upper jaw, and block bone grafts for more significant reconstruction.

Healthy Gums

Healthy gum tissue is essential for implant success. Active periodontal (gum) disease creates an environment where bacteria can compromise the implant and surrounding bone, leading to a condition called peri-implantitis that can cause implant failure.

If you have gum disease, it must be treated and controlled before implant placement. This might involve deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), periodontal therapy, or other treatments. The good news is that gum disease is treatable, and once controlled, many patients with a history of periodontal problems can successfully receive implants.

Overall Health Status

Your general health plays a significant role in implant eligibility. Dental implant placement is a surgical procedure, and your body needs to be healthy enough to heal properly.

Certain health conditions don't automatically disqualify you but require careful consideration and management. Diabetes, when well-controlled, is typically not a barrier to implants—but uncontrolled diabetes can impair healing and increase infection risk. Osteoporosis may affect bone quality but doesn't necessarily prevent implant success; your surgeon will evaluate your specific situation. Autoimmune conditions require individual assessment based on the specific condition and how it's managed. Heart disease patients can usually receive implants but may need coordination with their cardiologist.

During your consultation, be prepared to discuss your complete medical history, including all medications you take. This information helps our surgeons determine the safest, most effective approach for your care.

Wondering if you're a candidate for dental implants? Contact Lubbock Dental Specialists or call (806) 412-0000 to schedule your consultation.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact implant success and may need to be addressed before treatment.

Smoking and tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for implant failure. Tobacco restricts blood flow, impairs healing, and increases infection risk. Studies show that smokers have implant failure rates two to three times higher than non-smokers. Many oral surgeons require patients to quit smoking before implant placement and during the healing period. If you smoke, talk honestly with our team about your habits—we can provide resources to help you quit and improve your chances of success.

Heavy alcohol consumption can also impair healing and increase complication risk. Moderate alcohol use typically isn't a concern, but heavy drinking may need to be addressed.

Teeth grinding (bruxism) places excessive force on teeth and implants. If you grind your teeth, your surgeon may recommend a nightguard to protect your implants after placement.

Age Considerations

There's no upper age limit for dental implants. Many patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s successfully receive implants, provided they're in good general health. In fact, older adults often benefit tremendously from implants because they restore chewing function, improve nutrition, and enhance quality of life.

The main age restriction applies to younger patients. Dental implants shouldn't be placed until jaw growth is complete, which typically occurs in the late teens for females and early twenties for males. Placing implants before growth is complete can lead to complications as the jaw continues to develop.

Commitment to Oral Hygiene

Dental implants require the same care as natural teeth—regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. While implants can't develop cavities, the gum tissue and bone around them are still susceptible to infection and disease.

Patients who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene have the best long-term outcomes with implants. If you've struggled with oral care in the past, now is the time to establish better habits. Our team can provide guidance on proper implant care to help you protect your investment.

The Evaluation Process: What to Expect

If you're considering dental implants, the first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Here's what you can expect during your consultation at Lubbock Dental Specialists.

Medical History Review

We'll review your complete medical history, including any chronic conditions, past surgeries, medications, and allergies. This information helps us identify any factors that might affect your treatment and plan accordingly.

Dental Examination

Our surgeons will thoroughly examine your mouth, including the area where implants would be placed, your remaining teeth, your bite alignment, and the health of your gums. This hands-on evaluation provides important information about your current oral health status.

Advanced Imaging

Modern implant planning relies on detailed imaging to assess bone quality and quantity. We use 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scans that provide comprehensive views of your jawbone, showing exact dimensions, density, and the location of important structures like nerves and sinuses. This imaging allows our surgeons to plan precise implant placement and identify any areas that may need bone grafting.

Discussion of Options

Based on all the information gathered, our surgeons will discuss your options with you. This includes whether you're a good candidate for implants, what preparatory procedures (if any) might be needed, the type of implant restoration recommended for your situation, the expected timeline for treatment, and estimated costs and payment options.

We believe in honest, transparent communication. If implants aren't the best option for you, we'll explain why and discuss alternatives. If you're a candidate but need preparatory treatment first, we'll outline exactly what's involved.

Ready to find out if dental implants are right for you? Schedule your consultation at Lubbock Dental Specialists today or call (806) 412-0000.

What If You're Not Initially a Candidate?

Being told you're "not a candidate" for dental implants can be discouraging—but it's important to understand that this often means "not a candidate right now" rather than "never a candidate."

Many conditions that affect eligibility can be treated or managed to make implants possible.

Bone Grafting for Insufficient Bone

If you lack adequate jawbone, bone grafting can rebuild the foundation needed for implants. Depending on the extent of bone loss, grafting may add several months to your treatment timeline, but it makes implants possible for many patients who would otherwise not qualify.

Our surgeons are experienced in all types of bone grafting procedures and can recommend the approach most likely to succeed for your specific situation.

Treating Gum Disease

Active periodontal disease must be controlled before implant placement, but it can be effectively treated. Once your gum disease is under control and you've demonstrated good oral hygiene habits, you may become a candidate for implants.

Managing Health Conditions

If a health condition is affecting your eligibility, working with your medical team to optimize that condition may make implants possible. For example, improving blood sugar control in diabetes, adjusting medications that affect bone healing, or stabilizing other health issues.

Smoking Cessation

If smoking is the primary barrier to your candidacy, quitting is the solution. Many patients find that the desire for dental implants provides powerful motivation to finally quit smoking—and the health benefits extend far beyond your oral health.

Alternatives to Traditional Implants

In some cases, alternative approaches may make implant treatment possible even when traditional implants aren't suitable.

Mini Dental Implants

Mini implants are smaller in diameter than traditional implants and require less bone for placement. They may be an option for patients with some bone loss who aren't candidates for standard implants or who prefer to avoid bone grafting.

Zygomatic Implants

For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants anchor into the cheekbone (zygoma) rather than the jawbone. This advanced technique can provide a solution when traditional implants and bone grafting aren't viable.

All-on-4 Technique

The All-on-4 approach uses just four strategically placed implants to support a full arch of teeth. By angling the back implants, this technique can often work with existing bone and avoid the need for bone grafting.

The Long-Term Value of Dental Implants

When evaluating your eligibility for dental implants, it's worth considering the long-term value they provide.

Durability. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime. While the crown may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear, the implant itself is designed for permanent function.

Bone preservation. Unlike dentures or bridges, implants stimulate the jawbone just like natural tooth roots, preventing the bone loss that occurs after tooth extraction. This helps maintain facial structure and prevents the "sunken" appearance that can occur with long-term tooth loss.

Improved function. Implants restore nearly 100% of natural chewing ability, allowing you to eat all the foods you love without restriction. Dentures typically restore only 25-50% of chewing function.

Convenience. There's no adhesive, no removal for cleaning, no soaking overnight. You care for implants just like natural teeth.

Confidence. Implants look and feel natural, giving you the confidence to smile, speak, and eat without worry.

When you factor in these benefits over a lifetime, dental implants often represent the best value in tooth replacement—even compared to options with lower upfront costs.

Take the first step toward restoring your smile. Contact Lubbock Dental Specialists or call (806) 412-0000 to schedule your dental implant consultation.

Why Choose Lubbock Dental Specialists for Dental Implants

Dental implant surgery requires precision, expertise, and experience. At Lubbock Dental Specialists, you can trust that you're in excellent hands.

Board-certified surgeons. Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Graves, and Dr. Wilkinson are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive training in dental implant placement and bone grafting procedures.

Comprehensive care. As a multi-specialty practice, we can handle all aspects of your implant treatment, from bone grafting and implant placement to any necessary extractions or other oral surgery procedures.

Advanced technology. We use state-of-the-art imaging and surgical techniques to plan and place implants with precision.

Patient comfort. We offer a range of sedation options to ensure your comfort during any procedure. Our welcoming office features free Wi-Fi, a complimentary snack bar, and TVs throughout to help you relax.

Multiple locations. With offices in Lubbock, Amarillo, and Farwell, we make quality oral surgery care accessible throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Schedule Your Implant Consultation Today

The only way to know for certain whether you're eligible for dental implants is to schedule a professional evaluation. Our experienced oral surgeons will assess your unique situation, answer your questions, and help you understand all of your options.

Whether you're missing a single tooth, several teeth, or need full-arch restoration, we're here to help you find the best solution for your smile.

Don't let missing teeth hold you back any longer. Contact Lubbock Dental Specialists today to schedule your dental implant consultation, or call (806) 412-0000. We serve patients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Farwell, and throughout the Texas Panhandle. Your journey to a complete, confident smile starts here!