candidacy overview
Am I a candidate for dental implants?
Most healthy adults qualify — but the only way to know for certain is a free assessment. This guide covers every factor that affects candidacy, including the concerns patients worry about most: pain, fear, bone loss, age, and cost.
Most adults qualify
Free assessment
30-minute consult
On this page
- Who is a good candidate?
- What we assess at your consultation
- Pain — what to expect
- Fear and dental anxiety
- Bone loss — can I still qualify?
- Age concerns
- Recovery and healing
- Sedation options
- Meet the doctors
- FAQ
Upper age limit
Candidacy assessment
Candidacy overview
Who is a good candidate for dental implants?
The short answer: most healthy adults. Here's a more detailed breakdown of who qualifies outright and what can be addressed beforehand.
Strong candidates
- Adults with one or more missing teeth
- Good general health
- Healthy gums and adequate bone
- Non-smokers or willing to quit
- Any age — there is no upper limit
- Current denture wearers wanting a permanent solution
- Patients with a failing or cracked tooth needing extraction
Needs assessment — often still possible
- Bone loss — often resolved with bone grafting
- Active gum disease — must be treated first
- Uncontrolled diabetes — may qualify once stabilized
- Heavy smokers — higher risk, many succeed after quitting
- Bisphosphonate medications — specialist review needed
- Teenagers — typically deferred until jaw growth complete
- Recent jaw radiation — assessed case by case
Video: "Who do implants help?"
Even if another clinic told you that you're not a candidate, it's worth a second opinion. Bone grafting and sinus lifts have dramatically expanded who qualifies over the past decade. The assessment is free — there is nothing to lose by finding out.
The assessment
What we look at during your free consultation
A thorough candidacy assessment covers five areas. Each one affects the treatment plan, timeline, and cost.
Bone density
Volume and quality of jawbone at the implant site via 3D imaging
Gum health
Active gum disease must be resolved before placement
Overall health
Diabetes, medications, and conditions that affect healing
Bite and spacing
Available space, adjacent teeth, and bite alignment
Imaging
X-rays and 3D CBCT scan to plan the exact implant position
Patient concerns
The questions patients ask before they book
Every concern below is one we hear every day. Watch the short video, then read the answer.
Will it hurt?
COMING SOON Video: "Pain — what to expect"
The placement procedure is performed under local anesthetic — you’ll feel pressure but not pain. Most patients compare it to a tooth extraction. Post-op discomfort is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, and most people return to work within 1–2 days.
- Local anesthetic throughout the procedure
- Sedation available for anxious patients
- Mild discomfort managed with ibuprofen
I have dental anxiety — can I still get implants?
Dental anxiety is extremely common — and we treat anxious patients every day. Multiple sedation options mean you don’t have to white-knuckle through the procedure. Many of our most anxious patients say the anticipation was far worse than the reality.
- Oral sedation (pill taken before appointment)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- IV sedation for higher anxiety cases
COMING SOON Video: "Fear and anxiety"
I have bone loss — does that disqualify me?
COMING SOON Video: "Bone loss and implants"
Bone loss is one of the most common reasons patients think they can’t have implants — and one of the most misunderstood. Bone grafting can rebuild volume before implant placement. Sinus lifts address upper jaw bone loss. Many patients told “no” elsewhere are successfully treated after a preparatory procedure.
- Bone grafting rebuilds lost volume
- Sinus lift for upper jaw cases
- Get a second opinion — always worth it
Am I too old for implants?
- No upper age limit — ever
- Health matters more than age
- Biggest QoL gains often in older patients
COMING SOON Video: "Age concerns"
What does recovery look like?
COMING SOON Video: "Recovery — what to expect"
Days 1-3
Mild swelling and soreness. Most patients manage with ibuprofen. Soft food diet. Most return to work day 1–2.
Week 1–2
Gum tissue heals over the implant. Temporary crown in place. No significant restrictions.
Months 1–4
Osseointegration — bone fuses with the titanium post. No discomfort during this phase.
Months 3–6
Final crown fitted. Full function and normal eating restored.
I'm worried about the cost
Cost is the most common barrier — and the most misunderstood one. Financing from $99/month makes implants accessible for most budgets. And when you factor in the long-term cost of replacing dentures every 5–7 years, implants are often cheaper over time.
COMING SOON Video: "Cost concerns"
Sedation
Sedation options — you're in control
From light oral sedation to full IV sedation, you choose your comfort level. Nobody has to white-knuckle through this procedure.
Oral sedation
most common
A pill taken 30–60 minutes before your appointment. You remain conscious but deeply relaxed. Requires someone to drive you home.
Nitrous oxide
Laughing gas
Inhaled through a small mask throughout the procedure. Wears off within minutes — you can drive yourself home. Mild, pleasant relaxation.
IV sedation
Deep sedation
Administered intravenously for patients with severe dental anxiety or complex cases. You'll have little to no memory of the procedure. Requires an escort home.
COMING SOON Video: "Who do implants help?"
Meet the specialists
The doctors assessing your candidacy
Every implant placed through My Dental Implant is performed by a credentialed specialist with extensive hands-on experience.
Dr. Hesham Sherghin
Implant specialist
D.D.S.
M.Sc.
10 yrs experience
Dr. Steve Chang
Implant specialist
D.D.S.
M.Sc.
10 yrs experience
FAQ
Candidacy questions answered
The questions patients most commonly ask before their free consultation.
Can I get implants if I'm a smoker?
Yes, smokers can receive dental implants, but it's important to understand that smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums and bone, which impairs healing and reduces the chances of the implant successfully fusing with your jawbone (a process called osseointegration). Studies show implant failure rates are notably higher in smokers than non-smokers. That said, many smokers do go on to have successful implants. We strongly recommend quitting or significantly reducing smoking before your procedure and throughout the healing period. During your consultation, we'll review your full health history and give you an honest assessment of your candidacy.
Can I get implants if I have diabetes?
Yes, in many cases — though diabetes does require extra consideration. Well-controlled diabetes generally poses minimal additional risk, and many diabetic patients achieve excellent implant outcomes. However, poorly controlled blood sugar can impair healing, increase infection risk, and interfere with osseointegration. Before moving forward, we'll work closely with you and your physician to ensure your diabetes is well-managed. With the right preparation and monitoring, implants are a viable and life-changing option for many diabetic patients.
I was told I don't have enough bone — what are my options?
Being told you lack sufficient bone doesn't necessarily mean implants are off the table. Several solutions exist depending on how much bone loss has occurred. A bone graft is the most common approach — bone material (which can be your own, donor, or synthetic) is placed in the area to rebuild volume, then allowed to heal before the implant is placed. A sinus lift may be recommended for the upper jaw when the sinus cavity sits too close to the implant site. In some cases, shorter or smaller-diameter implants can work with the bone that's available. We use advanced 3D imaging to precisely assess your bone structure and recommend the most appropriate path forward for your specific situation.
How long does the consultation take?
Your initial consultation typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. During that time, we'll review your dental and medical history, take any necessary X-rays or 3D scans, examine your teeth, gums, and bone structure, and walk you through your options in detail. We want you to leave feeling fully informed — not rushed — so we always set aside enough time to answer every question you have.
What should I bring to my consultation?
To make the most of your visit, please bring a valid photo ID, your dental and medical insurance information (if applicable), a list of any medications and supplements you're currently taking, any recent dental X-rays if you have them, and a list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss. If you've been seen by another dentist or specialist regarding your implant options, any records or notes from those visits are also helpful.
Is the consultation really free — no hidden fees?
Yes, completely free. Your initial implant consultation comes at no cost and no obligation. You won't be asked for payment information, and you won't receive a surprise bill afterward. The consultation is simply an opportunity for us to understand your situation and for you to learn whether implants are right for you — on your terms. Any recommended treatment and associated costs will be clearly explained before you make any decisions.
You can learn more by visiting trusted resources like the Canadian Dental Association’s page on Dental Implants.