Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants. The key factors are adequate jawbone density, healthy gums, and overall general health. Age alone is not a disqualifier — patients in their 70s and 80s receive implants routinely. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis do not automatically rule you out either, as long as they are managed.
The most common reason someone might not be an immediate candidate is insufficient jawbone. But even that can usually be resolved with bone grafting or by using specialized implants like zygomatic implants that anchor into the cheekbone instead. At Texas Dental Implant Center in Houston, Dr. Michel Azer — a board-certified periodontist — evaluates every patient with a 3D CBCT scan to assess bone density, gum health, and anatomy before recommending a treatment plan. If you've been told you're not a candidate elsewhere, it's worth getting a second opinion from a specialist.
You're Likely a Good Candidate If:
Missing one or more teeth and want a permanent replacement
Generally good health — your chronic conditions (if any) are under control
Don't smoke, or willing to quit before treatment
Adequate jawbone, or open to bone grafting if needed
Committed to good oral hygiene after treatment
What Does Dr. Azer Evaluate?
Jawbone Density
Implants need a solid foundation. A 3D CBCT scan shows exactly how much bone you have. If there's not enough, bone grafting can rebuild it. For patients with severe upper jaw bone loss, zygomatic implants may be an option that avoids grafting entirely.
Gum Health
Active gum disease needs to be treated before implants are placed. Dr. Azer is a periodontist — gum disease treatment is one of his core specialties. He can treat gum disease and place implants in the same practice.
Overall Health
Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or ongoing chemotherapy can affect healing. Dr. Azer reviews your full medical history and works with your physician if needed.
Smoking
Smoking slows healing and increases implant failure risk. You don't have to have never smoked — but you'll need to quit before and during the healing period.
Medications
Some medications (bisphosphonates for osteoporosis, blood thinners, immunosuppressants) require coordination with your doctor. These don't automatically disqualify you.
"I Was Told I'm Not a Candidate"
We hear this often. Many patients come to us after being told by a general dentist that they can't get implants. In many of those cases, the issue was treatable — they needed bone grafting, gum disease treatment, or a different implant approach.
A board-certified periodontist has advanced training in the bone and gum tissue that support implants. Dr. Azer offers bone grafting, guided surgery, and zygomatic implants — options that many general practices don't provide. If you were told no, a consultation with a specialist is the best next step.
Request Your Free Consultation →Quick Self-Check
Answer these questions to get a general sense of your candidacy:
Are you missing one or more teeth (or have teeth that need to be extracted)?
→ If yes, you may be a candidate.
Do you have any chronic health conditions? Are they managed with medication or regular care?
→ Managed conditions usually don't prevent treatment.
Do you smoke?
→ You'll need to quit before treatment. Dr. Azer's team can help you plan for this.
Have you been wearing dentures for many years?
→ You may have experienced bone loss, but bone grafting or zygomatic implants can address this.
Have you been told you're not a candidate for implants?
→ Get a second opinion from a specialist. The answer may be different.
The only way to know for sure is a clinical exam and 3D scan. Your free consultation at Texas Dental Implant Center includes both.
Schedule Your Free Consultation →Evaluated by a Specialist
At Texas Dental Implant Center, every candidacy evaluation is performed by Dr. Michel Azer — a board-certified periodontist who specializes in the bone and gum tissue that determine implant success. His advanced training from Boston University, combined with 3D imaging and guided surgery, means he can often find solutions for patients who were told implants weren't an option.
Meet Dr. Azer →Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for dental implants?▼
Can I get implants if I have diabetes?▼
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?▼
What if I don't have enough jawbone?▼
How do I find out if I'm a candidate?▼
Do I need a referral from my dentist?▼
Ready to Restore Your Smile in Houston?
Your consultation is free. It includes a 3D CBCT scan of your jaw, a one-on-one with Dr. Azer, and a full treatment plan with cost breakdown — no obligation, no pressure.
Request Your Free Consultation