The short answer: probably yes. The vast majority of adults with missing teeth qualify for dental implants — either immediately or after preparatory treatment. Understanding the specific requirements helps set realistic expectations before your consultation.
Only a 3D CT scan can tell you for certain. A visual exam alone isn't enough. Bone volume, density, nerve position, and sinus anatomy must all be assessed with imaging before anyone can accurately say whether you're a candidate. We include this scan free at every consultation.
Core Requirements for Dental Implants
There are four fundamental requirements that determine whether you can proceed with implant placement:
- One or more missing teeth — or a tooth that needs extraction and replacement
- Adequate jawbone — enough bone volume and density to anchor the implant post (bone grafting can resolve most deficiencies)
- Healthy gums — active gum disease must be treated before implant placement
- General health — no conditions that significantly impair healing (most conditions are manageable with proper planning)
Good Candidates vs. Patients Who Need Pre-Treatment
✓ Good Candidates
- Missing one or more teeth
- Adequate bone at the implant site
- Healthy, disease-free gums
- Non-smoker or willing to quit before surgery
- Controlled systemic health conditions
- 18+ years old (jaw fully developed)
- Good general oral hygiene
- Committed to follow-up care
Needs Pre-Treatment First
- Insufficient bone (needs grafting)
- Active gum disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes (needs stabilization)
- Active smoker (needs to stop pre-surgery)
- Jaw still growing (under 18)
- Uncontrolled teeth grinding
- Untreated cavities or infection present
- Recent radiation therapy to jaw area
Most patients in the "needs pre-treatment" column can still receive implants — after addressing the underlying issue. Bone grafting, gum disease treatment, and diabetes management are all preparatory steps that lead to successful implant outcomes.
Age: Is There an Upper or Lower Limit?
Minimum Age
Dental implants require a fully developed jawbone, which typically occurs by age 17–18 in women and 18–21 in men. Placing an implant before jaw growth is complete risks the implant becoming misaligned as bone continues to develop. In teenagers with missing teeth, we use temporary restorations until jaw development is confirmed complete by imaging.
No Upper Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. Patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s successfully receive implants when they're in reasonable health. Age itself doesn't reduce implant success — bone healing capacity, health conditions, and medications are what matter, not the number of years lived.
Health Conditions and Candidacy
Diabetes
Well-controlled diabetes does not significantly increase implant failure rates. Uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c above 8%) impairs healing and increases infection risk. We work with your physician to ensure glucose is stable before scheduling. Read our complete guide: Dental Implants with Diabetes.
Gum Disease
Active gum disease — gingivitis or periodontitis — must be fully treated before implant placement. Bacteria and inflammation from gum disease directly threaten osseointegration and implant stability. Patients with a history of gum disease can receive implants after successful treatment and with a solid maintenance program.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis alone isn't a disqualifier. Patients taking oral bisphosphonate medications (Fosamax, Boniva) for osteoporosis can generally receive implants, though risk is slightly elevated. IV bisphosphonate therapy (used for cancer treatment) significantly increases the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw and requires careful evaluation. Full disclosure of all medications is essential.
Heart Disease and Blood Thinners
Patients with controlled heart disease can receive implants. Those on blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, Plavix) require coordination with their cardiologist — in most cases, blood thinners can be managed around the surgical appointment without stopping medication. We communicate with your physician team when needed.
Cancer History
Patients who have had radiation therapy to the jaw or head/neck region have reduced bone vascularity that affects osseointegration. Implants are still possible in many cases, with modified protocols. Chemotherapy patients should typically wait until treatment is complete before scheduling implant surgery.
Bone Volume: The Most Fixable Issue
The most common reason patients are initially told they're "not a candidate" is insufficient bone volume. This is almost always addressable with bone grafting.
At Chicago Elite Implant Center, bone grafting is performed in-house by Dr. Naser — no referral needed. Types of grafting we perform:
- Socket preservation — done at the time of extraction to prevent bone loss from the start
- Ridge augmentation — rebuilds lost bone width at the implant site (starting at $999)
- Sinus lift — adds bone below the sinus floor for upper back jaw implants (starting at $1,499)
Grafting adds 3–6 months to the overall treatment timeline but allows implants for patients who were previously told it wasn't possible.
What a Free Consultation Actually Tells You
Unlike a standard dental exam, our free implant consultation includes:
- 3D cone beam CT scan — maps your bone volume, density, nerve location, and sinus anatomy
- Periodontal assessment — checks gum health at every implant site
- Medical history review — identifies any conditions requiring pre-treatment or special protocols
- Same-day treatment plan — you leave with a written plan showing exactly what's needed, in what order, with pricing
No vague answers. No "we'll see." By the end of the appointment, you know whether you're a candidate, what's involved, and what it costs.