Not everyone is an ideal candidate for dental implants, as the procedure requires a healthy environment for healing. The biggest deal-breakers are usually related to bone density and lifestyle habits. If you have significant bone loss in your jaw, the implant may not have enough support to remain stable, though bone grafting is sometimes an option. Chronic smokers are also high-risk candidates because nicotine constricts blood flow, which severely slows the healing process and increases the likelihood of the implant failing to fuse. Additionally, individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune conditions might struggle to recover from the surgery. Your mouth must be free of active gum disease before any permanent hardware is drilled into the foundation of your jaw.