Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental Implant Candidate is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Most adults are candidates for implants — here is what determines whether they will work for you.
The Honest Answer to "Can I Get Implants?" Depends on Five Things
Almost every adult who has lost one or more teeth can receive dental implants. The real question is not whether you can get implants, but how straightforward the process will be for your specific situation. Five factors determine candidacy and complexity: bone volume at the implant site, overall health, medications, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors like smoking. Dr. Ostovar evaluates all five during your consultation and gives you an honest assessment — not a sales pitch.
Bone volume is the most common concern. If a tooth has been missing for years, the jawbone in that area has likely resorbed. A CBCT scan shows exactly how much bone remains and whether it is sufficient for implant placement or needs augmentation through grafting. The scan also reveals proximity to nerves and sinuses — anatomical structures that influence implant size and position. Many patients who are told elsewhere they "do not have enough bone" actually have viable options once evaluated with CBCT by a specialist familiar with bone grafting, zygomatic implants, or tilted implant protocols.
Health conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease do not automatically disqualify you. Well-managed diabetes (HbA1c below 8 percent) has minimal impact on implant success. Osteoporosis medications (bisphosphonates) require careful timing but are not an absolute contraindication. Patients on blood thinners may need temporary medication adjustment. Dr. Ostovar coordinates with your physician to manage these factors. The only true contraindications are recent radiation therapy to the jaw, uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, and active IV bisphosphonate use — and even these have nuance.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for smooth continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
The dental implant candidate procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per session. If multiple visits are needed, we’ll space them 2-4 weeks apart. Most patients return to normal activities within 1-3 days.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
Healing Biology: What Your Body Needs to Successfully Integrate an Implant
Successful osseointegration requires three biological conditions: adequate blood supply to the surgical site (bringing osteoblasts and growth factors), sufficient structural bone to mechanically stabilize the implant during healing, and a functional immune system that manages the normal inflammatory response without chronic infection. Systemic conditions that impair any of these — uncontrolled diabetes (which impairs vascular function), heavy smoking (which reduces blood flow by 40 to 50 percent), or immunosuppressive therapy (which weakens the inflammatory cascade) — increase the risk of integration failure. The clinician's role is to optimize modifiable risk factors before surgery and select timing, technique, and supplemental therapies (like PRF) that support the healing environment.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Determining candidacy requires more than checking a box on a questionnaire. It requires interpreting a 3D scan in the context of your medical history, understanding how your specific medications affect bone metabolism, and judging whether additional procedures (grafting, sinus lifts) are needed. Dr. Ostovar has evaluated thousands of potential implant candidates over 15-plus years and can identify solutions for complex cases that generalists may not consider. If you have been told you are not a candidate, a second opinion from a fellowship-trained implant specialist is worth the visit.
Treatment time varies by complexity. A straightforward procedure may take 30-60 minutes, while more involved cases can take 1-2 hours. Your consultation visit typically lasts 45-60 minutes including imaging and treatment planning. We’ll give you a specific time estimate for your individual case.
Your Dental Implant Candidate Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive dental implant candidate evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your dental implant candidate options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for best healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: What I Tell My Implant Patients
“In my experience placing thousands of dental implants, I’ve found that the patients who do best are the ones who understand what they’re getting into. It’s not a painful procedure — most people tell me it was easier than the extraction. But it is a process. You’re looking at 3-6 months from implant placement to final crown, sometimes longer if we need to build bone first.
I won’t sugarcoat it: not every patient is a candidate right away. If you’ve had teeth missing for years, you’ve likely lost bone. That doesn’t mean you can’t get implants — it means we may need a bone graft or sinus lift first. I’d rather take the time to build a solid foundation than rush and risk failure.
The materials matter too. We use Nobel Biocare and Straumann titanium implants — these are the systems with the best long-term research behind them. For the crown, I typically recommend zirconia or e.max porcelain depending on the location in your mouth. Front teeth get a different material consideration than molars.
If you’re comparing costs, a single implant at our Beaverton office runs $3,500-$5,500 including the crown. That’s competitive for the Portland metro area, and we offer CareCredit 0% financing. Most PPO dental insurance plans now cover a portion of implant costs — our team will verify your benefits before we start.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Board-Certified Implant Specialist
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
How long does it take? Treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes per appointment at our Beaverton office. Your initial consultation is approximately 60 minutes including CBCT 3D imaging and treatment planning.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum bone required for a dental implant?
A standard implant needs at least 10 mm of bone height and 6 mm of bone width at the placement site. Narrower ridges can accommodate narrow-diameter implants (3.0 to 3.5 mm). If bone is insufficient, grafting procedures can build it up. The CBCT scan provides exact measurements to determine what is available and what is needed.
Can I get implants if I have diabetes?
Yes, if your diabetes is well-controlled (HbA1c below 8 percent). Well-managed diabetic patients have implant success rates comparable to non-diabetic patients. Uncontrolled diabetes impairs blood flow and immune response, increasing failure risk. We may recommend optimizing your blood sugar before scheduling surgery.
Are dental implants safe for people with heart disease?
In most cases, yes. Patients with stable heart conditions, including those on blood thinners, can safely receive implants with appropriate medical coordination. We may consult with your cardiologist about adjusting medications around the surgery date. Active or unstable cardiac conditions may require postponing elective surgery.
Can I get implants if I take bisphosphonates for osteoporosis?
Oral bisphosphonates (like Fosamax) require careful consideration but are not an absolute contraindication. A drug holiday of two to three months before and after surgery may be recommended in consultation with your prescribing physician. IV bisphosphonates carry a higher risk of osteonecrosis and require more extensive evaluation.
Is there an age limit for dental implants?
There is no upper age limit. We have placed implants in healthy patients in their 80s and 90s. The minimum age is typically 18 to 21 (after jaw growth is complete). Medical fitness for minor surgery — not age — is the determining factor for candidacy.
Can I get implants if I smoke?
Smoking is the single most significant modifiable risk factor for implant failure. Smokers have two to three times higher failure rates than non-smokers. We strongly recommend quitting at least two weeks before surgery. If quitting is not possible, we discuss the improved risks openly so you can make an informed decision.
What if another dentist told me I cannot get implants?
Get a second opinion from a specialist. Many patients we treat were told they were not candidates elsewhere. Generalists may not be trained in bone grafting, zygomatic implants, or tilted implant protocols that can make implants possible even in severe cases. Dr. Ostovar evaluates every case with advanced CBCT imaging.
Can I get implants if I have gum disease?
Yes, but the gum disease must be treated and controlled first. Active periodontitis creates an environment hostile to implant integration. After scaling, root planing, and stabilization of your periodontal condition, implants can be placed successfully. Ongoing maintenance is critical to prevent peri-implantitis.
Do autoimmune conditions affect implant candidacy?
Some autoimmune conditions and the immunosuppressive medications used to treat them can affect healing. Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome require individual evaluation. Implants are often still possible with appropriate timing and medical coordination. Dr. Ostovar assesses each case individually.
Can I get implants if I have had radiation therapy?
Radiation to the head and neck area reduces bone vascularity and healing capacity. Implants in irradiated bone carry higher risk but are not impossible, especially when combined with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A minimum waiting period of 12 to 24 months after radiation completion is typically recommended. Dr. Ostovar evaluates these cases carefully.
What health tests are needed before implant surgery?
A CBCT scan, medical history review, and current medication list are standard. For patients with systemic health conditions, we may request blood work (including HbA1c for diabetics), a medical clearance letter from your physician, or specific lab values for patients on blood thinners. These tests ensure safe surgical conditions.
Can pregnant women get dental implants?
Elective dental surgery — including implant placement — is postponed during pregnancy to avoid X-ray exposure, anesthesia risks, and the stress of surgery. Implant treatment is best scheduled before pregnancy or after delivery and breastfeeding are complete. Emergency dental care is still provided during pregnancy when needed.
What if I have a metal allergy — can I still get titanium implants?
True titanium allergy is extremely rare (less than 0.6 percent of the population). If you have a confirmed titanium sensitivity, zirconia (ceramic) implants are available as an alternative. Metal allergy testing can be performed before treatment if there is concern. Most patients who are "allergic to metals" react to nickel, not titanium.
Does anxiety or dental phobia prevent me from getting implants?
No. We offer IV sedation that allows even the most anxious patients to undergo implant surgery comfortably. Under IV sedation, you will not feel or remember the procedure. Dental anxiety is extremely common and is never a reason to forgo needed treatment at our office.
How do I start the process of finding out if I am a candidate?
Schedule a consultation at our Beaverton office. The appointment includes a CBCT 3D scan, clinical examination, medical history review, and a one-on-one discussion with Dr. Ostovar. You will leave with a clear understanding of your options, candidacy, timeline, and costs. There is no obligation to proceed.
Find Out If Implants Will Work for You — Get a Specialist Evaluation
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026