Thinking about dental implants can feel a bit like applying for a loan—you’re worried you won’t “qualify.” But here is a secret from the specialist’s desk: in modern periodontics, there are very few “hard nos.” Most of the time, a disqualification is actually just a “not yet.”
At Chula Vista Periodontics, we specialize in turning “no” into “yes” by addressing the underlying issues that stand between you and a permanent smile. Here is a breakdown of what might temporarily disqualify you and how we fix it.
1. Active Periodontal Disease
You cannot build a house on a swamp. If you have active gum disease, the bacteria will attack the implant just like they attacked your natural teeth, leading to a condition called peri-implantitis.
The Fix: Before we discuss , we must stabilize your health. We often use or to create a sterile, healthy environment for your new tooth.
2. Insufficient Jawbone Density
Implants need bone to “grip” onto. If you have been missing teeth for a long time, your jawbone may have shrunken (atrophied).
The Fix: This is one of the most common “disqualifications” we encounter, and it is easily solved. Through or a , can literally rebuild the foundation of your jaw to support an implant.
3. Uncontrolled Systemic Health Issues
Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders can slow down the body’s ability to heal, which is crucial for the implant to fuse with the bone.
The Fix: We take a . By working with your primary care physician to manage your systemic health, we can often move forward with surgery once your numbers are stable. We also use to accelerate your body’s natural healing process.
4. Heavy Smoking
Smoking constricts blood flow to the gums, which is the “fuel” the body needs to heal after surgery. While being a smoker doesn’t automatically disqualify you, it significantly increases the risk of implant failure.
The Fix: We ask our Chula Vista patients to commit to a cessation period before and after the procedure to give the implant the best chance of survival.
5. Age (In Younger Patients)
Dental implants can only be placed once the jawbone has finished growing. For most people, this happens in the late teens or early twenties.
The Fix: If you are too young for an implant, we can help manage the space after a until your jaw is fully developed and ready for a permanent solution.
Get a Professional “Second Opinion”
If another dentist has told you that you aren’t a candidate for implants, don’t give up hope. As a specialist practice, we have the advanced tools and surgical expertise to handle complex cases that general offices cannot.
or call us at (619) 425-9770. Let’s find a way to get you the smile you deserve.
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