Medically Reviewed by Dr. Kristen Scholl, DMD on September 23, 2026
Candidates for dental implants in Yardley, PA are typically people who have one or more missing teeth due to dental decay, gum disease, or dental injury. Ideal dental implant candidates should have good overall health, adequate bone density in their jaw to support their dental implants, and they should have healthy gums that are free of periodontal disease.
But can anything be done when people are not immediate candidates for dental implants?
Here is more information on what can be done when people are not immediate candidates for dental implants.
What Can Be Done If You Are Not An Immediate Candidate For Dental Implants In Yardley, PA
Luckily, at a skilled and trusted dental office, there are a number of things that can be done to make people become candidates for dental implants. Specifically, people can get treated with bone grafting procedures, periodontal treatments, and overall health procedures in order to become candidates for dental implants. The following goes into more detail about how each procedure makes people candidates for dental implants.
Bone Grafting:
A bone grafting procedure is performed when people don’t have enough jawbone density and volume to be support dental implants. Bone grafting procedures involve placing and bonding bone graft material in the patient’s jawbone, so they have a more solid foundation for a dental implant to be placed on. With a bone grafting procedure, people can become candidates for dental implants.
Periodontal Treatment:
When people have gum disease, they will need to have periodontal treatment first before they can become a candidate for dental implants. A periodontal treatment plan will be made to make people’s gums healthy so that they can get successfully treated with dental implants.
Procedures For Overall Health:
When people have bad overall health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, then they will need to get those problems addressed and treated so that they can become a candidate for dental implants.
When people are not immediate candidates for dental implants, proven and reliable procedures can help them become one.
See Us Now So You Can Become A Candidate For Dental Implants In Yardley, PA
Are you ready to become a candidate for dental implants? Our dedicated office has the latest procedures, techniques, and technologies to help you become one.
Don’t wait to improve your smile with us. Get in contact with our doctors, Dr. David Faust and our exceptional team at our office to schedule an appointment today!
What are the most common reasons someone is not an immediate candidate for dental implants?
The most common reasons include insufficient jawbone density, active gum disease, and certain systemic health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes. If the jawbone has deteriorated after tooth loss, there may not be enough structure to support an implant post. Similarly, gum disease must be treated before implant placement to reduce the risk of infection and implant failure. Once these underlying issues are addressed, many patients become eligible for dental implants.
How does bone grafting help someone become a candidate for dental implants?
Bone grafting adds volume and density to areas of the jaw where bone has been lost, creating a more stable foundation for an implant post. During the procedure, bone graft material is placed in the deficient area and bonds with the existing jawbone over a healing period. Once the grafted bone has integrated, there is typically enough structure to place a dental implant successfully. The specific timeline depends on the amount of bone added and how quickly each individual heals.
Can periodontal disease be treated so that I can still get dental implants?
Yes. Active gum disease needs to be resolved before implant placement, but once healthy gum tissue is restored through periodontal treatment, dental implants can often proceed as planned. A personalized periodontal treatment plan will address the infection and inflammation, and follow-up appointments will confirm that the gums are healthy enough to support long-term implant success. Maintaining good oral hygiene after treatment is essential to keeping the gum tissue stable.
How long does it take to become a dental implant candidate after preparatory treatment?
The timeline varies depending on which preparatory procedures are needed. Bone grafting typically requires several months of healing before an implant can be placed, as the graft material needs time to fully integrate with the jawbone. Periodontal treatment timelines depend on the severity of the gum disease and how well the tissue responds. Your dental provider at Bucks County Smiles will outline a clear timeline during your consultation so you have a realistic picture of when implant placement can begin.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Kristen Scholl, DMD
Clinical Director, Bucks County Smiles, Yardley, PA
Dr. Kristen Scholl earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College. Clinical Director of Bucks County Smiles, she is a Premier Invisalign® Provider with advanced training in dental sleep medicine and TMJ treatment, serving patients in Yardley and throughout Bucks County, PA.
