Dental implants are a great solution for those who have lost teeth, but there is more to determining whether dental implants are the best choice for you than that. There are, after all, many different options out there for people who have lost teeth, and while dental implants are by far the most secure and long-lasting, they are more stringently guarded by dentists for a few reasons. If you can get dental implants, that is definitely the route you should try and take. Here are a few factors that will sway your dentist's opinion on whether dental implants are right for you.

Age

Dental implants are meant to last virtually forever (at least the screws are; the crowns and false teeth may be changed after decades of use) and therefore they make the most sense for people who would require them for longer periods of time. That does not mean you have to be very young to get them, far from it, but those who are reaching seventy or eighty years old may find better luck with dentures rather than dental implants. The younger you are, the more chance you will be prescribed dental implants for your needs rather than less permanent solutions.

Oral Health

Installing dental implants is quite an invasive procedure, especially compared to most dental operations. Due to this, dentists want to make sure that the odds of infection or anything going wrong are as low as possible. That means you need to have decent to above average oral health to ensure that the implant takes hold and is not rejected. If you have receded gums or a litany of other chronic dental issues, you may be refused dental implants simply due to your risk factor. That does not mean you will never be eligible for dental implants, but for now, it is important to work on improving your oral health.

Amount Of Teeth

Dental implants are often done for one or two teeth, and sometimes a few more in what's known as a bridge. However, if you need all or most of your teeth replaced, then this will take some time with dental implants only, and you may have to wait several weeks in between surgeries for your mouth to heal. While this will give you a basically perfect replacement set of pearly whites, and is useful for those who have had freak injuries or accidents, in older American's, dentures are generally much lower risk, and that may be the suggestion of your dentist. 

Talk to a dentist to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants.