Dental Implant Candidates Eagle Mountain, UT Most people who ask about dental implants aren't wondering whether the procedure exists or how it works in theory — they already know they want it. What they actually want to know is whether it's possible for them. That question deserves a real answer, not a vague "it depends." Candidacy for dental implants isn't a single checkbox. It's a picture built from several factors — your bone structure, your health history, your habits, and the specific teeth you've lost. At Ranches Family Dental, we evaluate each of those factors carefully before recommending any treatment path. Here's what that evaluation typically looks at. Call Ranches Family Dental today at (385) 374-0500 to schedule your consultation and get a clear picture of your options. Bone Volume and Density Matter MostThe implant post anchors directly into the jawbone, which means the jawbone has to be there, and be solid enough, to support it. After tooth loss, the bone in that area begins to resorb. How quickly and how much varies from person to person, but timing matters. Patients who pursue implants soon after tooth loss tend to have more bone available than those who wait years. If bone loss has already occurred, that doesn't automatically disqualify you. Bone grafting can rebuild volume in many cases, making implants possible for patients who wouldn't otherwise have been good candidates. This is something our team evaluates with imaging during your consultation. Your Overall Health Plays a RoleImplant placement is a surgical procedure, and like any surgery, it requires your body to heal. Certain health conditions can affect healing and may need to be managed or stabilized before treatment begins. These include:
Many patients with managed chronic conditions — including well-controlled diabetes — are still excellent candidates. The key word is "managed." We work with your broader care team when needed to make sure your health is in a good place before moving forward. Gum Health Is Non-NegotiableImplants are placed in bone, but they're surrounded by gum tissue, and that tissue has to be healthy. Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of implant failure when it goes unaddressed. If you have active gum disease, it needs to be treated and stabilized first — not because we're adding steps, but because skipping that step puts the implant at serious risk down the line. Patients with a history of periodontal disease who have received treatment and maintained their results can still move forward with implants. Ongoing monitoring just becomes part of the plan. Age, Habits, and Other FactorsAdults of nearly any age can be candidates for dental implants. The main age-related consideration is on the younger end: implants aren't recommended until the jaw has finished developing, typically in the late teens or early twenties. On the other end of the spectrum, age alone is not a disqualifying factor — many patients in their 70s and 80s successfully receive implants. Lifestyle habits also come into the picture. Smoking significantly increases the risk of implant failure by interfering with blood flow and healing. Patients who smoke are not automatically excluded, but the risks are higher, and quitting before treatment — or during recovery — substantially improves outcomes. Teeth grinding (bruxism) is another factor worth discussing. The pressure from chronic teeth grinding can stress an implant over time. In many cases, this is manageable with a nightguard, but it's something our implant dentist needs to know about upfront. What If You're Not a Candidate Right Now?Not everyone who walks in is ready for implants on day one — and that's okay. Some patients need preliminary treatment first: gum therapy, bone grafting, or getting a health condition under better control. These aren't roadblocks. They're steps that make the implant more likely to succeed and last. At Ranches Family Dental, we'll give you an honest assessment of where you stand and what, if anything, needs to happen before placement. If implants are the right long-term solution for you, we'll help you get there. Schedule a ConsultationThe only way to know whether you're a candidate is to have a proper evaluation — one that includes imaging, a review of your health history, and a conversation about your goals. |
 Eagle Mountain, UT 84005-5515 Tuesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm Friday: 7:00am - 4:00pm Saturday: Closed Sunday: Closed |
