If you're missing most or all of your teeth, you're likely a candidate for full mouth implants. Modern techniques—especially All-on-4—have expanded candidacy significantly.
- Missing all or most teeth in one or both arches
- Currently wearing dentures and unhappy with them
- Have teeth that are failing and require extraction
- In general good health
- Non-smoker (or willing to quit)
- Committed to good oral hygiene
Key Candidacy Factors
Bone Density
Good News: All-on-4 uses tilted posterior implants that maximize available bone. Many patients who don't qualify for traditional implants do qualify for All-on-4.
If Bone Is Insufficient: Bone grafting, zygomatic implants, or snap-on dentures (require less bone) may be options.
Overall Health
Good Candidates Have: Controlled blood pressure, controlled diabetes (if present), no active infections, ability to heal normally.
Note: Many health conditions don't disqualify you—they just require careful management.
Age
Minimum: Jaw must be fully developed (typically 18+).
Maximum: No upper limit. Patients in their 80s and 90s successfully receive implants.
Smoking
Smoking significantly increases failure risk. Most specialists require quitting before treatment—at minimum 2 weeks before surgery and through healing.
Candidacy by Treatment Type
| Factor | All-on-4 | All-on-6 | Snap-On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone needed | Moderate | Moderate-high | Low-moderate |
| Best for | Most patients | Good bone, lower jaw | Budget-focused |
| Bone grafting | Rarely needed | Sometimes | Rarely needed |
Common Questions
Possibly. All-on-4 was designed for patients with bone loss. Get a second opinion from an All-on-4 specialist.
Age alone doesn't disqualify anyone. If you're healthy enough for a dental extraction, you're generally healthy enough for implants.
Yes, if your diabetes is well-controlled (A1C below 8%, ideally below 7%).