If you have been told you can’t get dental implants, you may have felt a mix of disappointment and resignation. Being told you aren’t a candidate for conventional implants isn’t the end of your smile journey. It’s the beginning of a more specialized conversation.
At Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry in Owings Mills, Dr. Ed Lazer and Dr. Andrey Doroshenko specialize in cases that other practices have deemed too complex. From severe bone loss to failed previous implants, they have the training and experience to find solutions where others see dead ends. We proudly serve patients in Baltimore, Towson, Hunt Valley, and surrounding communities seeking a specialist-level approach to complex dental care.
Why Are Patients Told They Are Not Candidates?
Your general dentist may tell you dental implants aren’t an option for several common reasons. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward finding a solution.
Insufficient Bone Volume
This is the most common reason dentists turn patients away. Dental implants need a solid foundation of jawbone to integrate with and provide stability. If you have had missing teeth for a long time, suffered from advanced gum disease, or experienced trauma, your jawbone may have shrunk (resorbed). Insufficient bone volume is a challenge, but it’s not always a dead end.
Active Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Untreated gum disease can compromise dental implant success. The same bacteria that attack the supporting structures of natural teeth can also attack implants, a condition called peri-implantitis. Before any implant work begins, you must treat and control gum disease. The key here is control, not surrender.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some health conditions and medications can interfere with bone healing and implant success. These include uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune conditions, blood clotting disorders, and patients taking bisphosphonates for osteoporosis. However, these aren’t absolute barriers. With careful planning, advanced 3D imaging, and collaboration with your primary care physician, many patients with managed systemic conditions can safely receive implants.
Smoking
Smoking significantly affects healing and reduces blood flow, which can increase the risk of implant failure. A study found that at 12 months, smokers saw 2.1 mm of bone loss compared to 1.0 mm for non-smokers. Smokers also showed higher levels of inflammation and increased probing depth. While smoking is a risk factor, with proper guidance and support, many patients can still receive implants safely.
Previous Failed Implants
If you have had an implant fail in the past, you might be told further attempts are too risky. However, understanding why a previous implant failed is paramount. Was it poor placement? Infection? Inadequate bone? Once you identify the cause, you can create a new plan.
Learn about our dental implant specialty here:
- Dental Implants in Baltimore, MD
- All-on-4 Implant Dentures
- Benefits of Dental Implants
- Cost of Dental Implants
- Dental Implant FAQs
- Dental Implants vs Dentures
- Multiple Dental Implants
- Single-tooth Dental Implant
- Types of Dental Implants
- Dental Implants near Greenspring, MD
- Dental Implants near Hunt Valley, MD
- Dental Implants near Timonium, MD
- Dental Implants near Towson, MD
How Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry Overcomes These Challenges
Advanced Diagnostics and 3D Imaging
Success begins with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Doroshenko uses 3D CBCT imaging to provide a detailed, three-dimensional map of your jawbone, sinuses, and vital structures. This technology enables precise treatment planning and helps determine optimal implant placement, even in complex cases.
Bone Grafting and Sinus Lifts
For patients with insufficient bone volume, bone grafting can rebuild the jawbone. A bone graft adds volume and density to the jaw, creating a solid foundation for the implant. This additional step extends the treatment timeline by 3-6 months while the graft integrates with your natural bone. For bone loss in the upper back jaw, a sinus lift procedure can gently elevate the sinus membrane and place bone graft material into the created space, increasing bone height for implant placement.
The Cosmetic & Advanced Method: A Coordinated Specialist Team
What truly sets our practice apart is the “Cosmetic & Advanced Method.” We are one of Baltimore’s few practices where a cosmetic dentist and a fellowship-trained prosthodontist work as a coordinated team. Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko co-diagnose and co-plan your treatment from the very first consultation. This means the surgical placement of your implant is designed with the final, beautiful restoration already visualized.
We Don’t Refer Out
Most practices refer complex cases to outside specialists. You see a general dentist for diagnosis, an oral surgeon for implants, and a different dentist for the final restoration. We do dentistry differently. At Cosmetic & Advanced Dentistry, we handle everything. Dr. Doroshenko places the implants and performs bone grafting. Dr. Lazer designs the final restoration. You don’t have to coordinate between multiple offices.
The Cosmetic & Advanced Difference
Choosing the right provider is the most important decision you will make. Here’s what sets us apart:
- A unique integrated model: We are one of Baltimore’s few practices where a cosmetic dentist and a prosthodontist work as a single, coordinated team.
- A team approach to complex care: Dr. Lazer’s aesthetic blueprint is embedded before the first incision is made. We pre-visualize your final smile from the very beginning.
- Full-service, under-one-roof care: No referrals, handoffs, or repeating your story to unfamiliar faces.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have been told you aren’t a candidate for dental implants, we invite you to get a second opinion. Dr. Lazer and Dr. Doroshenko have the training and experience to handle cases that other dentists in Baltimore have turned away. We proudly serve patients from Baltimore, Towson, Hunt Valley, and the surrounding communities.
Contact us today at (410) 697-6290 or request an appointment online. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you build a confident smile.