Are dental implants right for you? Dr Angela explains key factors we assess first.

Added: 2026-05-01

[00:00:00]That's a really important question and the answer is dental implants can be an excellent option for many people but suitability is something we assess very carefully. We often explain it to patients like this. Placing an implant is bit like building a house. You need strong foundations first. So the first thing we look at is your gum health.

[00:00:22]Healthy gums are like the support structure around the foundations. So if that isn't stable and healthy, it's very difficult to support anything longterm.

[00:00:31]If there's any gum disease, we would always treat and stabilize that first before even thinking about placing an implant. Next, we assess the bone. The bone is essentially your foundation.

[00:00:43]It's what holds the implant in place. If there isn't enough bone or the quality isn't ideal, it's a bit like trying to build on a weak foundation. In these situations, we can often strengthen the area first, for example, with bone grafting. We also look at your general health because healing is a crucial part of implant success. Things like smoking, diabetes, and even your vitamin D levels can play a role in how well your body integrates an implant. Vitamin D in particular is important for bone health healing. So, if levels are low, we may recommend optimizing that before treatment.

[00:01:23]We often say the implant is only as good as the environment we place it in. It's also really important to mention that many patients are told they're not suitable for dental implants. But in reality, it's not always the full picture. With the right level of assessment, planning, and specialist expertise, there are often ways to make treatment possible, even in more complex cases. This is where experience really matters. A thorough clinical examination, detailed 3D imaging, and careful treatment planning allows us to look at the options and where needed to improve the conditions before placing an implant. So ultimately, it's a very personalized decision. Our role is to assess everything properly, guide you honestly, and design a plan that gives you the most predictable long-term result.