Who Is Not a Candidate for Dental Implants (And Why)
While dental implants have high success rates, not every patient is a suitable candidate. Implant failure often occurs not because of the implant itself, but because patient selection was ignored.
At Fusion Dental Implants, we conduct thorough evaluations to ensure every patient is properly assessed before treatment begins.
Candidacy Depends on Multiple Factors
Candidacy depends on biological, behavioral, and anatomical factors. Understanding these helps set realistic expectations.
Insufficient Bone Volume or Density
Dental implants require adequate bone to achieve stability and integration.
Problems arise when:
- Bone height is insufficient
- Bone density is too low
- Long-term tooth loss has caused resorption
Bone grafting may solve some cases, but not all. Severe bone loss can make implants unpredictable or impossible.
Learn about bone grafting options
Uncontrolled Systemic Diseases
Certain medical conditions interfere with healing and integration.
High-risk conditions include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Autoimmune disorders affecting bone metabolism
- Osteoporosis treated with IV bisphosphonates
- Recent radiation therapy to the jaws
These conditions increase the risk of infection, delayed healing, and implant failure.
Heavy Smoking or Nicotine Use
Nicotine restricts blood flow and impairs bone healing.
Smoking:
- Reduces osseointegration success
- Increases infection risk
- Accelerates bone loss around implants
Heavy smokers have significantly higher failure rates, especially in full-arch cases.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Maintenance
Dental implants require ongoing care. Patients with a history of:
- Severe periodontal disease
- Poor hygiene compliance
- Irregular dental visits
are at higher risk for peri-implantitis, an inflammatory condition that destroys bone around implants.
Bruxism and Uncontrolled Bite Forces
Patients who grind or clench their teeth exert excessive force on implants.
Without proper management, this can cause:
- Implant fracture
- Bone loss
- Prosthetic failure
Implants do not have the shock-absorbing ligament natural teeth possess, making force control essential.
Psychological or Behavioral Contraindications
Implant treatment requires patience and compliance. Patients who:
- Expect instant results without healing
- Ignore post-surgical instructions
- Miss follow-up appointments
often experience preventable complications.
When Implants Fail Before Surgery
Many failures occur before surgery ever begins due to:
- Inadequate diagnostics
- Poor treatment planning
- Overpromising outcomes
Proper candidacy assessment is the single most important predictor of success.
Get a Comprehensive Evaluation
At Fusion Dental Implants in Roseville and El Dorado Hills, we use advanced 3D imaging to thoroughly assess every patient before recommending treatment.
Schedule your free consultation
About Fusion Dental Implants: Serving Sacramento, Placer County, and El Dorado County with honest, comprehensive dental implant evaluations.