What clinicians evaluate
Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic describe candidacy in terms of overall health, oral tissues, bone quantity/quality, medical conditions that affect healing, tobacco use, gum disease, oral hygiene and willingness to complete a multi-stage process.
- Extent of missing or failing teeth
- Jaw growth and bone anatomy
- Gum and oral tissue health
- Smoking/tobacco exposure
- Diabetes and other conditions affecting healing
- Medications and medical history
- Ability to maintain oral hygiene and follow-up
- Whether grafting or another approach may be needed
Age alone is not the main deciding factor. Cleveland Clinic notes there is no upper age limit; health and bone conditions matter more.
