How We Determine If You Are a Candidate for Dental Implants
Many people assume that age determines whether someone can get dental implants. Others worry that if they have been missing a tooth for years, it may be too late. In reality, neither of those assumptions is accurate.
In the video on this page, Dr. John Phillips III explains that candidacy for dental implants in Chickasha, OK depends on one critical factor: bone. Not age. Not how long the tooth has been missing. Bone volume and quality are what matter most.
He says it clearly: “Getting dental implants is all about the bone.” Understanding that principle removes guesswork and replaces it with precision.
This article expands on what Dr. Phillips discusses in the video and explains how we evaluate bone and determine whether implants are possible.
Watch: Dr. Phillips Explains Dental Implant Candidacy
If you are considering dental implants, this short video explains how we determine whether you have enough bone and what steps are involved in making that decision.
The key takeaway is simple: the only way to know for certain is with advanced imaging.
Why Bone Matters for Dental Implants
Dental implants are designed to replace the root of a missing tooth. That root sits inside the jawbone and must be surrounded by healthy bone in order to remain stable.
If there is enough bone height, width, and density, an implant can integrate securely. If there is insufficient bone, additional procedures such as bone grafting may be necessary before implants can be placed.
Dr. Phillips explains that most people lose teeth due to dental disease or other mouth-related problems. However, losing a tooth does not automatically mean there is not enough bone left behind. The only way to know is to measure it precisely.
Age has nothing to do with the amount of bone you have. A healthy older adult may have excellent bone support. A younger person who has experienced trauma or advanced gum disease may have less. That is why evaluation must be individualized.
The Role of 3D Cone Beam Imaging
Determining implant candidacy requires precision. At 29th Street Dental Care, we use a three dimensional x-ray called a 3D cone beam scan. This advanced imaging technology allows us to measure your bone in exact detail.
With 3D cone beam imaging, we can evaluate:
- Bone height and width
- Bone density
- Proximity to important anatomical structures
- Exact positioning for optimal implant placement
Dr. Phillips emphasizes that this imaging removes uncertainty. “By taking a 3D cone beam, we’ll know exactly how much bone you have,” he explains. Instead of guessing, we measure.
This technology also improves safety and planning. It allows us to place implants in positions that support both function and long-term stability.
What If You Have Been Missing Teeth for a Long Time?
It is common for patients in Chickasha to say they have been missing a tooth for years and assume implants are no longer possible. When a tooth is missing, the jawbone can shrink over time. However, shrinkage varies from person to person.
Some patients retain sufficient bone even after many years. Others may benefit from bone grafting to rebuild support. The only way to know which category you fall into is through 3D imaging.
Without a scan, any answer would simply be an assumption. With a scan, we know without question whether implants are feasible and what steps are required.
What to Expect at an Implant Consultation in Chickasha
If you schedule a dental implant consultation at our office at 2900 W Grand Ave in Chickasha, OK, here is what typically happens:
- A review of your dental and medical history
- A discussion of your goals for replacing missing teeth
- A 3D cone beam scan to evaluate bone
- A clear explanation of whether you are a candidate
- Discussion of alternative options if needed
The goal is clarity. You will leave understanding whether implants are possible and what the next steps look like.
We believe patients deserve straightforward answers based on precise data. Because guessing is not good enough when it comes to your health.
Schedule a Dental Implant Evaluation in Chickasha
If you are missing one tooth or several teeth and want to know if implants are an option, call 29th Street Dental Care at (405) 222-0222.
With advanced 3D cone beam imaging, we can determine accurately whether you have enough bone for dental implants and discuss your best path forward.
Call (405) 222-0222 to schedule your implant consultation.
Written by Dr. John Phillips III, DDS
This article was written by Dr. John Phillips III, DDS, a Chickasha dentist with advanced training in restorative and implant dentistry.
About Dr. John Phillips III, DDS
Dr. John Phillips III has served the Chickasha community since opening his practice in 1996. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, he has pursued advanced education in occlusion through the Dawson Center for Excellence and continues to refine his skills in implant and restorative dentistry.
He was named Crown Council Young Dentist of the Year early in his career and has trained alongside nationally recognized cosmetic dentists. As a member of the American Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Association, Dr. Phillips remains committed to providing modern, evidence-based care for patients in Chickasha and surrounding communities.
Learn more about Dr. Phillips on our Meet the Dentists page.