Who Should Avoid Dental Implants? A Guide to Suitability and Safety
Dental implants are often talked about as the closest thing you can get to natural teeth. And it’s true - they look good, feel secure, and can last a very long time if you look after them. But that doesn’t mean they’re right for absolutely everyone, at least not straight away.
If you’ve been thinking about implants and wondering whether you’d be suitable, here’s a straightforward look at the main things that might put the brakes on (temporarily or permanently).
Not Enough Bone in the Jaw
Implants need something solid to anchor into, a bit like fence posts need firm ground. If the jawbone has shrunk or weakened - maybe because teeth have been missing for a while, or because of gum disease - then the implant won’t have enough support.
This isn’t always the end of the story though. Treatments such as bone grafting or sinus lifts can often build things back up so implants become possible later on.
Gum Problems That Aren’t Under Control
Healthy gums are just as important as healthy bones. If gum disease is active, the tissue around teeth and implants can’t hold things properly. Trying to place an implant in unhealthy gums is a recipe for problems down the line.
The good news is that gum disease can usually be treated and brought under control first. Once that happens, implants often become an option again.
Smoking and Recovery
If you smoke, you’ll probably already know it makes healing slower. With implants, that’s a bit of a problem because they need time to “bond” with the bone. Smoking also increases the risk of infections around the implant.
Does it mean implants are completely off the table? Not necessarily. Some people still go ahead, but most dentists will encourage you to quit or at least cut back before and after surgery so you’ve got the best chance of success.
Certain Health Conditions
Some health conditions can make implant surgery riskier or slow down recovery. Things like poorly controlled diabetes, problems with blood clotting, or medications that affect the immune system can all play a role.
That said, it’s not always a hard no. Every case is looked at individually. With the right medical support, many people with long-term conditions still go on to have successful implants.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
If you clench or grind your teeth - especially at night - the pressure can put too much strain on an implant. Over time, that force can lead to the implant loosening.
Dentists sometimes work around this by recommending a custom-made night guard. That way, both your natural teeth and any implants are better protected.
Day-to-Day Oral Care
Implants look like natural teeth, but they need just as much care. If brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits aren’t part of your routine, the risk of infection around the implant (called peri-implantitis) goes up.
It doesn’t mean implants are impossible forever, but building better habits first will make them much more likely to last.
Younger Patients
Implants aren’t usually suitable for children or teenagers. The jawbone needs to be fully developed, otherwise the implant could end up in the wrong position as the bone continues to grow.
Most people are ready in their late teens or early twenties, but the timing is different for everyone.
So, Who Can Have Implants?
Reading through all these “not suitable if…” points might make it sound like hardly anyone can have them. In reality, that’s not the case at all. Lots of people who start out as “not ready yet” become great candidates once other issues are sorted - whether that’s improving gum health, building up bone, or simply tweaking daily habits.
Final Word
Implants can be life-changing, but they need the right conditions to succeed. If you’re unsure whether they’re right for you, the best thing you can do is get proper advice rather than guessing.
If you’re in Norwich and wondering whether dental implants are right for you, our friendly team is here to help. You can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation to discuss your options or download our Patients’ Guide to Dental Implants to learn more before you visit.