Losing your teeth can be incredibly discouraging. Even a single missing tooth can make it hard to smile with confidence or eat what you want comfortably. At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we’re proud to provide custom dental implants in Monterey that fit your needs, anatomy, and natural smile. 

How do you know if dental implants are right for you? If you’re wondering if you’re a good candidate for dental implants, we can help. A consultation with our team is the best way to know for sure, but here are a few key things we look for in a great dental implant candidate.

Who Can Benefit from Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most effective and long-lasting ways to replace missing teeth. Designed to look and function just like natural teeth, implants offer a permanent solution that feels incredibly secure. Before determining if you’re a candidate, let’s look at who might want to consider implants.

Missing a Single Tooth or Several Teeth

Tooth loss can happen for many reasons. Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is the top cause of adult tooth loss. It damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth, sometimes making it impossible to save them.

Other times, severe decay, broken teeth, old dental work, or injury may result in teeth that can’t be restored.

Even people with a history of great oral health can suddenly face tooth loss due to an accident like a sports injury or a bad fall. If a tooth becomes damaged beyond repair, removing it may be necessary to protect your overall health.

Dissatisfied with Dentures

For people missing all or most of their teeth, traditional dentures have long been the go-to solution. But they’re far from perfect.

Many people struggle with dentures that slip out of place, cause discomfort, or limit their diet to soft foods. Over time, these limitations can affect your confidence, speech, and nutrition.

If you’re tired of adjusting to your dentures instead of them working for you, implant-supported options like full-mouth dental implants can offer a stable, functional, and attractive alternative.

Imagine biting into a crisp apple or enjoying a juicy steak again. Dental implants restore both form and function, making it easier to eat what you love and smile without hesitation.

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Thanks to today’s advanced imaging and surgical techniques, dental implants are an option for more patients than ever before.

You’re likely a strong candidate if you have:

• One or more missing teeth
• Good general health
• Healthy gums with minimal signs of infection or inflammation
• Adequate jawbone volume to support the implant post
• A strong commitment to daily oral hygiene

Non-smokers tend to have the best success rates. That’s because smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of implant failure. If you use tobacco, we may talk about quitting or reducing use before surgery.

And if you’re currently expecting a baby, we suggest waiting until after delivery to begin treatment.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we use the most advanced technology and surgical techniques to provide predictable implant success. While this means that virtually anyone with missing teeth can benefit from dental implants, certain health conditions or factors can make treatment more complex or delay your timeline.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Some medical issues can slow down healing and affect how well your body integrates the implant. These include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Blood disorders like hemophilia
• Autoimmune diseases
• Bone conditions such as osteoporosis

If you have one of these conditions, it doesn’t automatically mean implants are off the table. We may work in coordination with your physician to determine if implants can still be placed safely and effectively.

Certain Medications

Some medications, especially those that suppress the immune system or thin the blood, may interfere with healing or increase surgical risks. We’ll discuss your current prescriptions and, in some cases, may coordinate with your doctor to see if temporary adjustments are possible.

Active Gum Disease

Ironically, the same gum disease that often causes tooth loss can also affect the success of dental implants. Ongoing inflammation and infection around the gums can prevent proper healing and cause implants to fail.

Before placing implants, we’ll address any active gum disease and restore a healthy foundation.

Insufficient Bone Structure

One common obstacle is not having enough bone in the jaw to support implants. But that doesn’t necessarily rule out treatment. Bone regeneration or alternative implant techniques can often create the structure needed for long-term success.

Find Out If You’re a Candidate for Dental Implants in Monterey!

The only way to know if dental implants are right for you is a comprehensive exam and 3D imaging at our Monterey office.

At Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, we provide expert implant planning and care, all under one roof. If you need advanced care, our team includes surgical specialists to make sure your experience is smooth and stress-free.

Let’s help you rediscover the confidence that comes with a healthy, complete smile. Get in touch today to schedule your dental implant consultation!