--- title: The 4 Characteristics of a Candidate for Dental Implants description: "Dental implants are no one-size-fits-all solution, but chances are you'll fit the bill. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the best candidates for dental implants have: good medical health, good oral health, an understanding mindset, and a commitment to oral hygiene." image: https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID-consulting_A_Dentist.jpg --- [![AAID Credentialed Dentists](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/logo_bw-desktop.png)](https://www.aaid-implant.org) [Menu](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/characteristics-of-a-candidate-for-dental-implants#tm-mobile) - [Dental Implants](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/) - [Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dental Implants](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/everythingyoueverwantedtoknowaboutdentalimplants) - [Who Can Benefit?](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/who-can-benefit/) - [What to Expect](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/what-to-expect/) - [Types of Implants & Techniques](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/) - [Implants vs. Dentures & Bridges](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/) - [Common reasons individuals need implants](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/) - [AAID Credentials](https://www.aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/) - [Training, Experience & Credentials](https://www.aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/training-experience-and-credentials/) - [3 Reasons to Choose an AAID-Credentialed Dentist](https://aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/three-reasons-to-choose-an-aaid-credentialed-dentist/) - [What Patients Say](https://www.aaid-implant.org/category/what-patients-say/) - [Answers from AAID-Credentialed Dentists](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/answers-from-aaid-credentialed-dentists) - [Value and Cost](https://www.aaid-implant.org/value-and-cost/) - [Find an Implant Dentist](https://www.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) [Find an Implant Dentist](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) - - - - - - [FAQs](https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/) - [LifeSmiles Blog](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/) - [American Academy of Implant Dentistry](http://aaid.com/) - - - - - [![AAID Credentialed Dentists](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/logo_bw-desktop.png)](https://www.aaid-implant.org) - [Dental Implants How They Work](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/) - [Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dental Implants](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/everythingyoueverwantedtoknowaboutdentalimplants) - [Who Can Benefit?](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/who-can-benefit/) - [What to Expect](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/what-to-expect/) - [Types of Implants & Techniques](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/types-of-implants-and-techniques/) - [Implants vs. Dentures & Bridges](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/) - [Common reasons individuals need implants](https://www.aaid-implant.org/what-are-dental-implants/implants-vs-dentures-and-bridges/) - [AAID Credentials Why They Matter](https://www.aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/) - [Training, Experience & Credentials](https://www.aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/training-experience-and-credentials/) - [3 Reasons to Choose an AAID-Credentialed Dentist](https://aaid-implant.org/expertise-you-can-trust/three-reasons-to-choose-an-aaid-credentialed-dentist/) - [What Patients Say](https://www.aaid-implant.org/category/what-patients-say/) - [Answers from AAID-Credentialed Dentists](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/answers-from-aaid-credentialed-dentists) - [Value and Cost What You Should Know](https://www.aaid-implant.org/value-and-cost/) - [Are you a Candidate for Dental Implants?](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/everythingyoueverwantedtoknowaboutdentalimplants) - [Dental Implants Resources](https://aaid-implant.org/dental-implant-resources/) - [Find an Implant Dentist](https://www.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) [Find an Implant Dentist](https://www.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) # ![LifeSmiles](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/Logos/LifeSmiles_white550px.png) # The 4 Characteristics of a Candidate for Dental Implants By [AAID Life Smiles](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/author/aaid-life-smiles) on March 6, 2019 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![AAID-consulting_A_Dentist](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AAID-consulting_A_Dentist.jpg?width=2400&name=AAID-consulting_A_Dentist.jpg)  Even if you’ve [done your research](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/5-things-you-should-know-about-dental-implants) on dental implants, you may be wondering if you are qualified to get them. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but chances are you will fit the bill.   According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID), the best candidates for dental implants share four characteristics. ## 1. Good medical health If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant, you need to make sure you’re healthy. Be sure to inform your dentist about your medical history and any [medications](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/why-its-important-to-discuss-medications-with-your-implant-dentist) you are taking. “\[Dental\] implants work best when a patient is in good health, or if they do suffer from any mild diseases, that they are under control, such as diabetes,” said [Dr. Frank Caputo of Cudahy, Wisconsin](https://www.aaid-implant.org/dentist/caputo-frank/?trk=profLink). He added that certain conditions, like uncontrolled diabetes, could keep a patient from healing properly, while others, such as a recent cardiac event (i.e. heart attack, stroke), will postpone surgery till a later date. According to [Dr. Ira Goldberg of Succasunna, New Jersey](https://www.aaid-implant.org/dentist/goldberg-ira/?trk=profLink), you also need enough bone to support the implant. In that case, your dentist may be able to grow bone where it’s needed using a process called “grafting.” “We add (artificial bone) into the deficient areas,” Goldberg said. “Sometimes we’ll use something called a membrane … to help hold the graft in place, and the body will turn (the graft) over and grow it into its own bone.” ## 2. Good oral health Before you get a dental implant, you should take good care of your teeth. Since dental implants involve surgery, infections or gum disease could reduce the chances your implant can successfully be placed in your mouth. “With dental implants, we have to make sure the rest of the mouth is in good health,” Caputo said. Your dentist may also suggest treatment to optimize your oral health before they give your implants the go-ahead. “We always have to address any immediate concerns to get the patient to optimal health of the mouth prior to moving forward with the implant. This may include a routine cleaning, or clearing up any active infections” Caputo added. ## 3. An understanding mindset Even before you’ve decided to get an implant, you need to have the mindset that there are risks and complications. “I want my patient to have a truly good understanding of what’s going on, what are the alternatives, what are the risks, the benefits,” Caputo said. For example, Caputo said, the crown of a dental implant – which is the part of the implant that looks like a tooth – can wear and tear just like a regular crown or cap. Implants may also be subject to periodontal disease, called peri-implant disease, which inflames the gums and if not addressed, can affect the underlying bone, Caputo said. And even if you’ve read up on dental implants, you should always consult with your [AAID-credentialed dentist](https://www.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) about your specific situation. “We have a saying that you always start with the end (goal) in mind,” Goldberg said. “Just like when you’re building a house, the builder’s going to listen to what the customer’s desires are. From there, they can plan backwards and figure out the important details, such as what kind of foundation they’re going to have to build, or the size of the lumber to support the desired house.” ## 4. A commitment to oral hygiene After your implant is in place, you should regularly brush and floss your teeth, and go to your dentist for scheduled check-ups, cleaning, and X-rays. “A commitment to sound home care and routine dental cleanings is paramount” to a successful dental implant, Caputo said. You may have to go to the dentist more often than usual depending on the procedure you received.  “A person with healthy dental implants … (should) come to the dentist every 6 months,” Goldberg said, adding that someone who has undergone a major reconstruction may be asked to return every 3 to 4 months. --- Dentists consulted for this article include [Frank A. Caputo DDS, AFAAID of Cudahy Dental Associates in Cudahy, Wisconsin](http://www.cudahydentalassociates.net/our-staff/dr-frank-caputo/) and [Ira Goldberg, DDS, FAAID, DABOI/ID of Morris Dental Associates in Succasunna, New Jersey](https://www.morriscountydentist.com/practice/meet-dr-goldberg/). ![Find out what dentist credentials stand for and what it takes to become AAID credentialed](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/questionicon20px.png?t=1527870663849&width=20&name=questionicon20px.png) What are those letters after the dentist’s name? [Find out what they mean.](https://www.aaid-implant.org/aaid-credentials/training-experience-and-credentials/) Topics: [Getting started with dental implants](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/getting-started-with-dental-implants), [what to know about implants](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/what-to-know-about-implants) ## About LifeSmiles The LifeSmiles blog empowers individuals struggling with dental problems to find reliable, practical information and advice on dental implants and how to find a qualified implant expert. Our goal is to ensure that quality care and peace of mind is available to every dental implant patient. ### Learn more about... - [what to know about implants (35)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/what-to-know-about-implants) - [Dental implant procedure (23)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-procedure) - [overall health (23)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/overall-health) - [Getting started with dental implants (22)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/getting-started-with-dental-implants) - [dental implant process (18)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-process) - [health connection (15)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/health-connection) - [Choosing an implant dentist (14)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/choosing-an-implant-dentist) - [FAQs (10)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/faqs) - [Board Certified Implant Dentist (8)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/board-certified-implant-dentist) - [Credentialed Implant Dentist (8)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/credentialed-implant-dentist) - [dental implant research (7)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-research) - [Dental Implant Journey (6)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-journey) - [Bone Loss (5)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/bone-loss) - [Dental Implant Awareness Month (4)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-awareness-month) - [Implant Complications (4)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/implant-complications) - [Replacement Techniques (4)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/replacement-techniques) - [timeline for implants (4)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/timeline-for-implants) - [All-on-4 (2)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/all-on-4) - [COVID-19 (2)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/covid-19) - [mini dental implants (2)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/mini-dental-implants) - [Dental Implant Trends (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-implant-trends) - [Dental anxiety (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-anxiety) - [Dental costs (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/dental-costs) - [Gum disease (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/gum-disease) - [Immediate Implants (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/immediate-implants) - [Implant-Retained Dentures (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/implant-retained-dentures) - [Implantology (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/implantology) - [Magnetic Click-On Implants (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/magnetic-click-on-implants) - [Osteoporosis (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/osteoporosis) - [TMJ (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/tmj) - [Tooth Extraction (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/tooth-extraction) - [diabetes (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/diabetes) - [orthodontics (1)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/tag/orthodontics) see all ### Explore by most recent: - [Home](https://www.aaid-implant.org/) - [Dental Implants: How They Work](https://www.aaid-implant.org/dental-implants/what-are-dental-implants/) - [AAID Credentials: Why They Matter](https://www.aaid-implant.org/aaid-credentials/expertise-you-can-trust/) - [Value & Cost: What You Should Know](https://www.aaid-implant.org/value-and-cost/) - [Find an Implant Dentist](https://www.aaid-implant.org/find-an-implant-dentist/) - [Terms of Use](https://www.aaid-implant.org/terms-of-use/) - [Sitemap](https://www.aaid-implant.org/site-map/) - [Search](https://www.aaid-implant.org/search/) - [![](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/spain.png)](https://aaid-implant-design.idevdesign.net/Spanish/) - [![](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/japan.png)](https://aaid-implant-design.idevdesign.net/Japanese/) - [![](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/skorea.png)](https://aaid-implant-design.idevdesign.net/Korean/) ### [Dental-Wise: FAQs](https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/) [Ask a Dental Implant Expert](https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/) [Read More](https://www.aaid-implant.org/faqs/) [LifeSmiles ![News](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/hubfs/AAID_March2018%20Theme/images/Story_LifeSmiles-3_300x300.jpg)](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/) [Read More](https://connect.aaid-implant.org/blog/) ### American Academy of Implant Dentistry [www.aaid.com](http://www.aaid.com) 300 S. 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