Find out whether dental implants are the right solution for your missing teeth with a thorough, judgment-free evaluation from our Charlotte team.
Dental Implants · Candidacy Evaluation
A lot of patients in Charlotte assume dental implants are only for people with perfect health and unlimited bone in their jaw. That simply is not true. Implant dentistry has advanced considerably, and many people who were told "no" years ago now qualify thanks to updated techniques, bone grafting options, and a more individualized approach to treatment planning.
At Promenade Center for Dentistry, answering the question "am I a candidate?" starts with a real conversation, a careful clinical exam, and diagnostic imaging, not a quick glance or a generic checklist. We look at your jawbone, your gum health, your medical history, and your goals before we ever recommend a treatment plan, so you know exactly where you stand before committing to anything.
Patients come to us for an implant evaluation for many different reasons, and tooth loss affects more than your smile. It can change how you chew, how your jawbone holds its shape over time, and even how confident you feel speaking in public or sitting across from someone at dinner. The signs below are common reasons patients schedule a candidacy consultation with our team.
If any of the following sound familiar, it is worth having a conversation about whether implants could restore both function and confidence for you.
Good implant candidates come in all ages and backgrounds. What matters most is not a single factor, but the combination of your oral health, overall health, and the amount of healthy bone available to support the implant long term. We've treated patients in their twenties replacing a tooth lost to an accident, as well as patients in their eighties replacing an entire arch of failing teeth.
During your consultation, we review your health history, take a close look at your gums and remaining teeth, and capture detailed imaging of your jawbone. This lets us give you a clear, honest answer, rather than a guess, about whether implants are a realistic option or whether some preparation is needed first.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to implant candidacy, which is why our exam looks at several interconnected factors rather than a single checkbox. We use digital x-rays and, when needed, 3D cone-beam imaging to map your jawbone precisely before recommending a plan, so there are no surprises once treatment begins.
We measure the height, width, and quality of bone at the implant site using 3D imaging, which tells us whether grafting is needed before placement.
Active gum disease is treated first, since healthy soft tissue is essential for the implant to heal and stay stable for years to come.
Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders don't automatically disqualify you, but they do inform how we plan and time your procedure.
We check how your upper and lower teeth meet, since implants need to withstand normal biting forces without placing stress on adjacent teeth.
Confirming your candidacy is just the first step, but it opens the door to real, lasting benefits. Implants are designed to function and feel like natural teeth, and for many patients, that difference becomes noticeable within the first few weeks of healing.
Our candidacy evaluation is a straightforward, no-pressure process designed to give you real answers, not a sales pitch. Here is what to expect when you schedule your visit with us.
We discuss your dental history, current medications, and any health conditions that could affect healing, then answer your questions about the process.
Detailed x-rays and, when needed, 3D scans give us a precise picture of your jawbone, sinuses, and nerve positioning before we plan anything further.
If you qualify as-is, we outline next steps and timing. If grafting or gum treatment is needed first, we explain exactly why and what it involves.
We walk you through anticipated costs, insurance considerations, and realistic timelines so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Choosing where to have your candidacy evaluated matters just as much as the treatment itself. Our team takes the time to get this part right, because a thorough evaluation up front prevents complications and disappointment later.
We capture and review your diagnostic imaging right here in our Charlotte office, so you get a clear picture of your candidacy in the same visit, without waiting on outside referrals.
If you are not quite ready for implants yet, we will tell you honestly, along with what steps would change that, instead of pushing you toward a treatment that isn't right for you yet.
Our dentists have evaluated and treated patients with a wide range of bone, gum, and health conditions, which means your evaluation benefits from real, hands-on experience.
We schedule enough time for your consultation so you can ask every question you have about candidacy, cost, and timeline without feeling rushed.
In many cases, yes. Bone grafting can rebuild lost volume and density, creating a stable foundation for the implant. During your evaluation, we'll determine how much grafting, if any, is needed before moving forward.
Not necessarily. Patients with well-managed diabetes, controlled blood pressure, or other stable chronic conditions frequently heal just as well as anyone else. We review your full medical history during the consultation to plan safely around your specific situation.
Smoking slows healing and can raise the risk of implant failure, but it does not automatically disqualify you. We'll talk through strategies to minimize risk, including reducing or pausing smoking around the time of surgery and during the healing phase.
Most evaluations, including the exam, imaging, and consultation, take about an hour. You'll leave with a clear understanding of your candidacy and, if applicable, a personalized treatment roadmap.
Age alone is rarely a disqualifying factor. We've placed implants for patients across many decades of life. The main requirement is that jaw growth is complete, which typically occurs by the late teens, and that overall health supports healing.
If you need preparatory treatment, such as gum therapy or a bone graft, we'll map out that process clearly, including timing and cost, so you know exactly what it takes to become a candidate down the road.
Promenade Center for Dentistry
Our caring team is ready to welcome you with gentle, personalized dental care. Book online or give us a call - we'd love to see you smile.
