Suitability
Told you were not suitable?
Being told your case is difficult does not always mean you have no options. Many patients come to New Life Teeth after being told they do not have enough bone, that they need extensive grafting, or that dentures are their only choice. A previous opinion may reflect the treatment options available within that particular clinic.
A good starting point
You may be suitable if you have…
- Multiple missing, loose or failing teeth
- Dentures that feel uncomfortable or unstable
- Gum disease that can be treated and stabilised
- Bone loss caused by missing teeth or long-term denture wear
- Previous crowns, bridges or implants that are failing
- The ability to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular reviews
Assessed, not assumed
Factors we assess carefully
These do not automatically rule treatment out — they shape how it must be planned:
- Active gum disease, or smoking and vaping
- Uncontrolled diabetes or conditions affecting healing
- Significant bone loss
- Previous radiotherapy to the head or neck
- Medications that affect bone healing
- Clenching or grinding, or previous implant complications
Complex cases
Complexity is not a diagnosis
A complex case is one where standard implant protocols may not be sufficient without advanced diagnostics, planning and surgical execution. It does not mean poor outcomes are expected — it is a classification that guides how treatment must be planned and delivered.
Significant bone loss
Bone may reduce following tooth loss, gum disease, long-term denture wear or previous implant treatment. We assess the amount and quality of available bone, whether grafting or a sinus lift is required, and whether alternative implant positions are appropriate.
Gum & soft-tissue health
Active gum disease, infection or reduced soft tissue can affect healing and long-term implant health. Treatment plans include stabilising gum disease and planning for effective long-term cleaning.
Jaw anatomy & bite forces
Sinus position, nerve location, jaw shape, clenching and grinding all influence implant placement and bridge design — safe positioning around anatomical structures and a stable, balanced bite.
Previous implant failure
Previous failure can leave scar tissue, altered bone anatomy or a history of infection. We identify why the previous treatment failed and avoid the same surgical or biomechanical problems.
Medical factors
Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis and autoimmune conditions, certain medications, penicillin allergy, and smoking or vaping are carefully assessed as part of your individual plan — they do not automatically prevent treatment.
What complex means in practice
More detailed diagnostics, prosthetic-led planning where your final teeth are designed before implant positions are determined, advanced options such as zygomatic or pterygoid implants, and closer long-term monitoring. About advanced implants →
Common concerns, answered honestly
“Can I still have implants if…?”
For suitable complex cases, New Life Teeth uses advanced techniques, including zygomatic and pterygoid implants, which can provide options where conventional placement is not the correct route. Zygomatic implants are longer implants placed into the strong bone of the cheekbone; pterygoid implants are placed into dense bone at the back of the upper jaw. These techniques can also reduce the need for extensive grafting or sinus lift procedures in some cases.
A history of gum disease does not automatically prevent full-arch implant treatment. However, it must be controlled and included in your treatment plan.
Long-term denture wear can lead to bone loss and changes in jaw shape, bite and facial support. Your treatment plan will focus not only on implant placement but also on restoring a stable bite, facial and lip support, and day-to-day function.
Conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune conditions and a history of cancer treatment require careful assessment, but they do not automatically prevent treatment. Your surgeon will work with your GP or wider medical team where required.
Smoking affects healing and long-term implant health. We will discuss this openly during the assessment — patients who smoke are advised to abstain for the duration of treatment.
Age alone does not decide whether you are suitable. The assessment is based on your clinical condition, not simply your age.
The only way to know
A thorough assessment, then an honest answer
Suitability can only be determined through a detailed clinical assessment: a review of your medical and dental history, 3D CBCT and intraoral imaging, analysis of your bone and jaw anatomy, and an assessment of your bite and oral function. Not every patient will be suitable — but a thorough assessment ensures that any recommendation is responsible, individual and based on clear clinical evidence.
Around 80% of our patients are suitable for our standard pathway. For the rest, we are one of the few clinics in the UK to offer complex full-mouth treatment at a fixed price — see pricing →