Request appointment

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Implants? 3 Qualities That Show You Are

June 17, 2026

Woman at her dental implant consultation

If you are missing teeth, then you might be all too familiar with how they can bring down your quality of life. As you look into replacements, dental implants likely stood out as a reliable option. They can give you up to 90% of your bite back while also looking natural, but you’ll first have to be a good candidate for them. Here are three qualities that can make you eligible for them.

You Don’t Have Any Oral Health Issues

As you might’ve guessed, dental implants are placed in your mouth. It’s important you don’t have any oral health issues that can affect them while you recover from your placement procedure.

Cavities, gum disease, and the like can lead to complications. Your results may be unstable or wobbly, possibly even leading to failure. Thankfully, by sticking to brushing and flossing at home, plus routine checkups and cleanings, you can work toward building a strong foundation.

Your Overall Well-Being Is Taken Care Of

It might seem a bit odd at first, but your dentist will want to make sure your oral health is in good standing as well. That’s because certain chronic conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, can make you heal more slowly after you have your dental implants placed. The good news is that you can avoid any trouble by ensuring they are managed.

If you are a smoker, then that’s also important to mention. Using tobacco can lead to gum disease and impact your immune system. Your jawbone might also weaken over time with this habit. It’s often best to quit fully, but you may be able to talk to your dentist about temporarily stopping.

Your Jawbone Density Is Good

One of the most important qualities of a good dental implant candidate is having a strong jawbone. Dental implants are placed into it, and the bone tissue will need to grow back around and fuse to it. It’s important this process goes smoothly; that way, you get up to 90% of your original bite back. If your jaw isn’t able to support the posts, you may be able to get a bone graft to reinforce the area.

No matter what, the only way to know if you can get dental implants is by talking to your dentist. They will take a look at everything above, then come up with a game plan or let you know your next steps. That way, you can get started on your journey back to your full smile.

About the Practice

Want an effective solution to your missing teeth? Our team at Riverside Dental Center is here to help the Loves Park community restore their grins with reliable solutions like dental implants. Led by compassionate dentists, we are able to complete the entire process in-house, so you stay in expert care you trust. If you want to see what steps you need to take to get this tooth replacement, schedule an appointment or call our office at 815-877-4300.