Who is a good candidate for dental implants?

Good candidates for dental implants are adults with one or more missing teeth who have sufficient jawbone density, healthy gum tissue, and no uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes or active cancer treatment. Most adults with missing teeth qualify — a free 3D scan consultation determines your eligibility precisely.

Can I get implants if I have bone loss?

Often yes. Bone grafting can rebuild lost bone to support implants. For significant bone loss, All-on-4 uses angled implants that avoid areas of bone loss entirely — no grafting needed. Even patients who have been told they 'don't have enough bone' are often surprised to find they qualify at their 5D Smiles consultation.

Can smokers get dental implants?

Smokers can get dental implants, but smoking significantly increases failure risk (up to 2-3x). We strongly advise quitting smoking at least 2 weeks before and 2 months after implant placement. Dr. Qiu will discuss risk factors honestly and help you understand how to maximize your chances of success.

Are dental implants safe for older patients?

Age itself is not a contraindication for dental implants. Many of our most successful patients are in their 70s and 80s. What matters is overall health status, bone density, and absence of conditions that impair healing. Dr. Qiu evaluates each patient individually to determine the safest and most appropriate treatment plan.

Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Most adults are. Find out in 60 seconds — or come in for a free 3D scan and we’ll tell you exactly what’s possible.

Call (562) 923-4538 — Free 3D Scan

The short answer: probably yes.

Most adults with missing, failing, or severely damaged teeth are candidates for dental implants. Advances in implant technology — including the All-on-4 technique — mean that even patients with bone loss or who previously couldn’t get implants now have options.

The best way to know for certain is a free consultation with a 3D cone beam CT scan. At 5D Smiles in Downey, CA, Dr. Henry Qiu reviews your bone density, gum health, and medical history to give you a definitive answer and a clear treatment plan.

You’re likely a good candidate if you:

Have one or more missing teeth

Whether you’re missing one tooth or an entire arch, implants can restore function and appearance permanently.

Have teeth that need to be extracted

Teeth that are severely decayed, cracked, or infected beyond repair are often replaced with implants the same day they’re removed.

Wear uncomfortable dentures

If your dentures slip, click, limit what you eat, or embarrass you — implants eliminate every one of those problems.

Are in generally good health

You don’t need to be in perfect health. Most medical conditions don’t prevent implants — they just require a modified approach.

Are a non-smoker (or willing to quit temporarily)

Smokers can get implants but have higher failure rates. Dr. Qiu will advise on timing and precautions.

Have adequate bone density (or don’t, yet)

Even patients with significant bone loss may be candidates through bone grafting or the All-on-4 technique, which uses angled implants to avoid the need for grafts.

Situations that may need extra planning:

Significant bone loss

Often solvable with bone grafting (adds 3-6 months) or All-on-4 which bypasses most bone loss entirely.

Uncontrolled diabetes

Controlled diabetes is fine. Uncontrolled can affect healing — we work with your physician to optimize before treatment.

Active gum disease

Must be treated first. Gum disease around implants causes failure. We clear the infection before placing implants.

Certain medications (bisphosphonates)

Patients on bone-density medications need special evaluation. Often still candidates with a modified protocol.

Notice that none of these are automatic disqualifiers — they just require a more thorough evaluation and sometimes a staged treatment plan. Very few patients are truly not candidates for any form of implant treatment.

What to Expect at Your Consult

In one visit, you get everything you need to make an informed decision:

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3D Cone Beam CT Scan

See your bone density and structure in 3D — the same technology used in surgical planning.

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Full Oral Exam

Dr. Qiu reviews your gum health, remaining teeth, and bite relationship.

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Written Treatment Plan

Exact recommendations, options, and pricing — in writing, before you decide anything.

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Honest Answers

If you’re not a candidate, we tell you — and explain what options you do have.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I get implants if I have dentures already?

Yes. Implant-supported dentures (overdentures) or full arch replacement with All-on-4 are excellent options for current denture wearers. Many patients with 10-20 year old dentures make the switch.

I’m over 70. Am I too old for implants?

Age alone is not a disqualifier. We have successfully placed implants in patients in their 80s. Overall health and bone density matter more than age.

What if I haven’t had teeth for years and lost bone?

This is exactly what the All-on-4 technique was designed for. By placing implants at strategic angles, we can often restore a full arch without bone grafting even in patients with significant resorption.

I’m a smoker. Can I still get implants?

Yes, but smoking increases the risk of implant failure from ~2% to ~10%. We’ll ask you to stop smoking 2 weeks before and 2 months after placement. Many patients use this as motivation to quit for good.

Only one way to know for sure.

Come in for your free consultation and 3D scan. Dr. Qiu will review everything and give you an honest answer — no pressure, no obligation.

Call (562) 923-4538

5D Smiles Dental Implant Center · 8255 Firestone Blvd #210, Downey, CA 90241 · Mon-Sat 7am-7pm · Se habla español

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