Dental implants are titanium posts that replace tooth roots. After placement, the bone grows around the implant, securing it firmly. We then attach a crown, bridge, or denture that looks and works like natural teeth. At Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO, we believe implants provide a stable foundation for tooth replacement when a patient’s health and bone structure allow it. This guide explains who makes a good candidate and what we consider during the evaluation.
01 / Why Candidacy MattersWhy Candidacy Matters
Not everyone is immediately ready for implants. Placing an implant in the presence of untreated gum disease, insufficient bone, or uncontrolled medical conditions raises the risk of failure and complications. By screening carefully, we identify any treatments needed beforehand, such as gum therapy or bone grafting. This approach protects your health and sets clear expectations. When patients understand the process, they feel more confident and committed to a successful outcome.
02 / Core Factors We EvaluateCore Factors We Evaluate
General Health
You should be well enough to undergo minor oral surgery and heal normally. Conditions that impair healing, like uncontrolled diabetes or immune disorders, require careful management. We don’t automatically rule out patients with chronic illnesses; instead, we work with your physician to ensure your condition is stable before we schedule surgery.
Oral Health
Active gum disease, decay, or chronic infections in the jaw must be resolved first. Peri-implantitis—inflammation around the implant—is a leading cause of late failure. Starting with healthy gums and clean teeth gives the implant the best chance for long-term stability.
Jawbone Structure
The implant needs enough dense bone to anchor securely. After tooth loss, the jawbone shrinks over time. We use imaging to measure bone height, width, and density. If the bone is too thin or short, a bone graft can rebuild the ridge before implant placement.
Age
Implants are generally reserved for adults whose jawbones have finished growing. For teenagers, we recommend temporary restorations until skeletal maturity is confirmed, typically by late adolescence.
03 / Medical Conditions That Affect CandidacyMedical Conditions That Affect Candidacy
Certain health issues influence the timing and planning of implant treatment. We always coordinate with your medical doctors when needed.
- Diabetes: Well-controlled diabetes is not a barrier. Poorly controlled diabetes increases infection risk and slows healing. We may request recent blood work and clearance from your physician.
- Osteoporosis: Reduced bone density may affect implant placement and healing time. We evaluate bone quality carefully and may adjust the surgical plan.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Stable heart conditions rarely prevent implant surgery. We review your medications, especially blood thinners, and communicate with your cardiologist to ensure safety.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation to the jaw can compromise healing. We consult your oncologist and may consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support bone health before implant placement.
04 / Lifestyle FactorsLifestyle Factors
Smoking is one of the strongest predictors of implant complications. Nicotine reduces blood flow, slowing healing and increasing failure risk. We strongly encourage quitting before surgery and staying tobacco-free throughout the healing period. Heavy alcohol use also interferes with bone metabolism and immune response. We discuss these habits openly during your consultation. Certain medications, such as bisphosphonates, immunosuppressants, and long-term corticosteroids, can affect bone healing. We review all prescription and over-the-counter medications.
05 / Bone Grafting: Rebuilding the FoundationBone Grafting: Rebuilding the Foundation
After tooth loss, the jawbone ridge often narrows. If imaging shows inadequate bone volume, we may recommend a bone graft. Graft material can come from your own bone, donor bone, animal-derived sources, or synthetic options. The graft takes a few months to mature before we can place the implant. Sometimes we can combine graft and implant placement in one surgery; other times we may angle or shorten the implant to avoid grafting entirely. The decision depends on your bone shape and the functional demands of the restoration.
06 / How We Evaluate YouHow We Evaluate You
Your consultation begins with a conversation about your health history, medications, and goals. We examine your gums, remaining teeth, and bite, then take digital images to assess your bone structure. After gathering this information, we explain whether you can proceed directly or need preparatory steps like gum treatment or grafting. You’ll learn about the procedure steps, the estimated timeline, and what to expect during healing. We provide a written plan and encourage you to take time to consider your options—there’s no pressure to decide immediately.
07 / What to Expect During and After SurgeryWhat to Expect During and After Surgery
Implant surgery is performed in our office with local anesthesia to keep the area numb. We make a small incision in the gum, prepare the bone, and place the titanium post. The gum is closed with dissolving stitches. If the implant is visible when you smile, we can often provide a temporary tooth on the same day. Over the next few months, the bone fuses with the implant. Once healed, we attach a small connector (abutment) and take an impression for your final crown. The crown is then secured, and you can brush and floss it like a natural tooth. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the health of the gum and bone around the implant. With good home care and routine visits, implants can serve comfortably for many years.
01 / When Implants May Not Be the Right ChoiceWhen Implants May Not Be the Right Choice
Some situations call for alternatives. If bone loss is extensive and grafting is not feasible, a removable denture or bridge may be more practical. Patients who cannot commit to daily cleaning and recall visits face a higher risk of failure. Heavy teeth grinding (bruxism) can overload implants and lead to mechanical issues; we may recommend a night guard or other management first. We always discuss the pros and cons of all options so you can make an informed decision.
02 / Common Mistakes to AvoidCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping gum treatment. Some patients want the implant placed quickly, assuming antibiotics will handle any infection. Periodontal therapy must be completed first, or bacteria can colonize the implant surface.
- Cutting back on smoking instead of quitting. Even a few cigarettes a day still impair healing. Complete cessation for at least two weeks before and throughout healing is strongly recommended.
- Not following bone graft instructions. After grafting, resuming vigorous exercise too soon can disrupt the graft. Following post-operative guidelines protects the new bone.
- Delaying the final crown. Once the implant has integrated, the crown should be placed within a reasonable time. Leaving the implant unloaded for too long may compromise stability.
03 / Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions
We answer some common patient questions here to help you prepare.
How long does the whole process take? From extraction to final crown, the timeline ranges from four to nine months. Simpler cases with good bone can finish sooner; cases requiring grafting take longer.
Will I be without a tooth during healing? No. We provide temporary options—such as a flipper, partial denture, or temporary crown—so you can smile and chew comfortably.
Is the surgery painful? Most patients report less discomfort than with a tooth extraction. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable, and any soreness afterward can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What are the costs? Costs vary based on the number of implants, need for grafting, and type of restoration. We provide a detailed estimate after your consultation and can discuss payment options.
Can implants fail later on? Late failure is uncommon but possible, often due to untreated gum disease or excessive bite forces. Regular professional cleanings and a night guard if needed help minimize this risk.
04 / Special ConsiderationsSpecial Considerations
Younger Patients
Implants are rarely placed in patients under 18 because the jaw is still growing. Instead, we use space maintainers or temporary bridges until growth is complete.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
We postpone elective implant surgery until after delivery. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect gum health, and we prefer to avoid unnecessary medications. Breastfeeding mothers can usually proceed once cleared by their physician.
Seniors on Multiple Medications
Age alone is not a barrier to implants. We review all medications for potential interactions with anesthesia or healing. Blood thinners may need adjustment, and osteoporosis drugs require careful planning. We coordinate with your physicians to ensure safe timing.
05 / Preparing for Your ConsultationPreparing for Your Consultation
Bring the following to your appointment: - A list of current medications and dosages - Recent blood work if you have diabetes or take anticoagulants - Insurance cards and photo ID - Any questions you have
06 / Next StepsNext Steps
If you are missing one or more teeth and want to learn if implants are right for you, contact Alameda Dental in Aurora, CO. Our team will walk you through the evaluation and help you understand your options. Call (303) 343-7072 or visit our office at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012 to schedule a consultation. We offer flexible scheduling to fit your life.
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