Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryWho can get a dental implant?What's assessed before recommending an implant?FAQRead nextWho can get a dental implant?
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Quick summary of this article+
In general, an implant can be placed in an adult with good health, healthy gums and enough bone (or bone that can be prepared with a graft). Age alone doesn't rule it out, and a lack of bone isn't always a “no.” Inflamed gums, poorly controlled diabetes and smoking call for care beforehand. The recommendation depends on a full assessment with imaging. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Who can get a dental implant? The good news is that most adults who have lost one or more teeth may be candidates — but that's only confirmed after an individual assessment. What really decides it isn't age, but overall health, the condition of the bone and gums and certain habits.
In everyday practice, it's common for people to assume they “don't have enough bone” or are “too old” and give up before being assessed. Many of these situations can be addressed, and the only way to know is to examine the case. That's why the assessment matters so much.
Here, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) explains who can usually get an implant, what may call for extra care and what's assessed before recommending one. Keep in mind the decision is always individual and depends on an in-person visit with imaging.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the dental implants page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
Who can get a dental implant?
In general, an implant can be placed in an adult with good overall health, healthy gums and enough bone (or bone that can be prepared) to support it. Age alone isn't a barrier — what matters is your health, assessed case by case.
Bone plays a central role: the implant needs a solid base to integrate. When bone is lacking, it can often be rebuilt with a graft before the implant. In other words, “not much bone” isn't always a “no” — it may be a “we need to prepare first.”
Gum health is also decisive. Inflamed gums or active periodontal disease need to be treated first, because they compromise how well the implant integrates and how long it lasts. Taking care of the foundation is part of the path to a successful implant.
Some general health conditions need attention and control before the procedure — such as poorly controlled diabetes or conditions that affect healing. They don't necessarily rule it out; they mean the case needs more careful planning and, sometimes, coordination with your physician.
Habits like smoking play a role: smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of failure. It's not an absolute ban, but cutting back or quitting helps the result a great deal. Your dentist will advise you on this at the assessment.
For teenagers, implants are usually postponed until bone growth is complete, because the bone is still developing. For every age group and every case, the recommendation is individual — there's no single answer that fits everyone.
| Factor | What's assessed | What usually happens |
|---|---|---|
| Available bone | Amount and quality, through imaging such as a CT scan | Not much bone isn't always a no — it's often prepared with a graft first |
| Gum health | Signs of inflammation or periodontal disease | Treated first, because it compromises integration and durability |
| Overall health | History, conditions, allergies and current medications | Conditions like diabetes need to be under control; sometimes the dentist coordinates with your physician |
| Habits | Smoking, among others | Cutting back or quitting helps healing |
| Age | Your health, not the number itself | Age alone doesn't rule it out |
| Current oral health | Cavities and other issues | Resolved before the implant |
What's assessed before recommending an implant?
Before recommending an implant, the dentist does a full assessment: health history, an oral exam and imaging to analyze the bone. Together, these determine whether you can get the implant now, whether some preparation is needed first or whether another option suits you better.
Imaging (such as a CT scan) shows the amount and quality of available bone and helps plan where and how the implant will be placed. That planning is what makes the procedure safer and more predictable for you.
Your general health history is reviewed: current medications, conditions, allergies and habits. In some cases, the dentist may reach out to your physician to coordinate the procedure safely. That exchange protects both you and the result.
Current oral health is treated first: cavities, gum inflammation and other issues are resolved before the implant. Placing an implant in an unhealthy mouth increases the risk of complications. The order matters.
Expectations and alternatives are also discussed. Depending on the case, a fixed or removable prosthesis may be an option, and the dentist explains the pros and limits of each path — always without promising results, in line with the rules of Brazil's dental councils (CFO/CRO).
Finally, always check the dentist's registration with the CRO (Regional Council of Dentistry). An implant combines planning, surgical technique and follow-up — and choosing someone with the right training and accountability is what makes treatment safe, from start to maintenance.
Who can get a dental implant?
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In general, adults with good overall health, healthy gums and enough bone — or bone that can be prepared. Age alone doesn't rule it out. Confirmation comes from an individual assessment with imaging that looks at bone, gums and overall health.
I don't have much bone — can I get an implant?
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Often, yes. When bone is lacking, it can be rebuilt with a graft before the implant. “Not much bone” isn't always a “no” — it may be a “we need to prepare first.” Only imaging shows the real condition of your bone.
Can older adults get implants?
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Yes. Age alone isn't a barrier; what matters is overall health and the condition of the bone and gums. Many older patients get implants successfully. The decision comes from a full, individual assessment.
Can people with diabetes get an implant?
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With controlled diabetes and proper follow-up, it's often possible. The main concern is healing, so keeping the condition under control matters. Your dentist can coordinate the procedure with your physician to keep it safe.
Can smokers get an implant?
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It's not an absolute ban, but smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of failure. Cutting back or quitting, especially during treatment, greatly improves the chances of success. Your dentist will advise you on this at the assessment.
Do inflamed gums rule out an implant?
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They rule out starting before treatment. Inflammation and periodontal disease need to be controlled first, because they compromise how well the implant integrates and how long it lasts. Caring for your gums is part of the path to a successful implant.
Can teenagers get implants?
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Generally, the recommendation is to wait until bone growth is complete, because the bone is still developing. Until then, temporary solutions are usually used. The recommendation is individual and assessed carefully in younger patients.
What tests are needed?
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Usually imaging such as a CT scan, which shows the amount and quality of the bone, plus a clinical exam and your health history. Together, these guide the planning and make the procedure safer and more predictable.
Does every lost tooth need an implant?
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Not necessarily. An implant is one option; in some cases, fixed or removable prostheses may be recommended. The right choice depends on your case, your expectations and the assessment. Your dentist will explain the alternatives.
Can I get an implant if I take long-term medication?
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It depends on the medication and your health condition. Some medications need special attention, and your dentist may talk with your physician first. That's why a complete health history is an essential part of the assessment.
Is there an age limit for implants?
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There's no fixed upper age limit. What's assessed is overall health and the condition of the bone and gums. Older patients in good health are often good candidates. The decision is always based on an individual assessment.
What if I can't get an implant right now?
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It's often a matter of preparation: treating the gums, controlling a condition or doing a graft first. “Not now” often becomes “yes, later.” And when an implant isn't recommended, there are alternatives your dentist will present.
How long after losing a tooth can I get an implant?
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It varies by case. Sometimes it's possible fairly soon; in other cases, the area is left to heal first or the bone is prepared. The right timing is set at the assessment, based on your situation.
Can people with osteoporosis get an implant?
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Often, yes, but it requires careful assessment, because the condition and some osteoporosis medications affect bone and healing. Your dentist can coordinate the case with your physician. The decision is individual and based on imaging and your health history.
Can pregnant women get an implant?
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As a precaution, elective procedures like implants are usually postponed during pregnancy, putting the health of mother and baby first. Emergencies are assessed separately. It's a good idea to talk with your dentist and your OB to choose the right time.
Where can I find out if I can get an implant in Mooca?
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Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, in Mooca, São Paulo, Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., in Portuguese, English and Spanish. An assessment with imaging determines whether an implant is recommended and the right plan for your case.
