Most adults missing one or more teeth are candidates for dental implants. If you have reasonably good general health, healthy gums, and enough jawbone — or are willing to have a bone graft — you can almost always get implants. A free consultation and 3D scan are the only way to know for certain.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

You are likely a strong candidate if you:

Are missing one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth
Have healthy gums (or gum disease that can be treated first)
Have enough jawbone to anchor the implant — or are open to a bone graft
Are in reasonably good general health
Do not smoke heavily (or are willing to cut back during healing)
Want a permanent, natural-feeling alternative to dentures or bridges

Age is rarely a barrier. We routinely place implants for patients in their 70s and 80s. Overall health matters far more than the number on your birth certificate.

Who Might Not Be an Immediate Candidate?

Some situations need attention first — but most are manageable, not disqualifying:

Uncontrolled diabetes — better blood sugar control improves healing
Active gum (periodontal) disease — treated before implant placement
Heavy smoking — raises the risk of implant failure; cutting back helps
Significant bone loss — often solved with grafting, a sinus lift, or All-on-4
Certain medications (e.g. high-dose bone medications) — reviewed case by case
Recent radiation to the jaw — requires careful planning

The key point: being told "no" elsewhere often just means you need a provider who offers modern techniques.

The 5 Things We Check at Your Consultation

What we evaluate	Why it matters
Jawbone volume (3D CBCT scan)	Confirms there is enough bone to hold the implant
Gum and tissue health	Healthy gums are the foundation of a lasting implant
Medical history & medications	Identifies anything that affects healing
Bite and remaining teeth	Ensures the new tooth works with your existing bite
Goals, timeline & budget	Matches you to the right option and financing

Do You Have Enough Bone for Implants?

When a tooth is missing for a long time, the jawbone in that area shrinks. If a 3D scan shows the bone is too thin or short, you still have excellent options:

Bone graft — rebuilds the ridge so an implant can be placed
Sinus lift — adds bone height in the upper back jaw
All-on-4 — angles implants to use the bone you already have, often avoiding grafting entirely

In other words, bone loss is a solvable problem, not a dead end.

Implant Options by Situation

Your situation	Typical solution
One missing tooth	Single implant + crown
Several missing teeth	Implant-supported bridge
All teeth missing / failing	All-on-4 full-arch implants
Loose, uncomfortable dentures	Implant-supported (snap-in) dentures

What If I Have Been Told I Am Not a Candidate?

This is one of the most common reasons patients come to us for a free second opinion. Many "no" answers were given before techniques like guided surgery, bone grafting, and All-on-4 became routine. With modern 3D planning, the large majority of people who want implants can have them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get dental implants if I have gum disease?

Usually yes — but the gum disease is treated and stabilized first, so the implant has a healthy foundation.

Is there an age limit for dental implants?

No. There is no upper age limit. General health and bone quality matter more than age.

Can I get implants if I smoke?

Yes, but smoking raises the risk of implant failure. Cutting back — especially during healing — significantly improves your odds.

How do I know if I have enough bone?

A 3D CBCT scan measures your bone precisely. If there is not enough, a graft or All-on-4 approach can usually still make implants possible.

Does getting a dental implant hurt?

Placement is done with local anesthesia (and sedation if you prefer). Most patients compare the recovery to a routine extraction and manage it with over-the-counter pain relief.

Find Out If You Are a Candidate — San Mateo & the Bay Area

The fastest way to get a clear answer is a free consultation with a 3D scan. Dr. Na Zhao (DDS, PhD) will assess your bone, gums, and goals and walk you through your exact options and costs — with no pressure.

Learn more in our related guides on dental implant cost in the Bay Area, the All-on-4 procedure, and bone grafting for implants — or book your free consultation today.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants? Find Out Free in San Mateo