Tooth loss is stressful, especially when you’re trying to choose the right replacement option. The main treatments available in the UK for lost or failing teeth are dental implants and dentures. 

Dental implants are among the safest and most reliable solutions for missing teeth. At The Village Dental, we’ve offered dental implants for over 20 years. 

However, dentures may be more suitable for some patients. Both options have pros and cons worth considering before you make an informed decision. In this guide, we'll compare dentures vs implants to help you decide

The treatment process

Here’s a quick overview of both treatments, and how they work, to help you determine whether dental implants or dentures are right for you.

Dental implants in Southport

When you have a dental implant, your dentist will insert a small titanium screw into your jawbone at the site of your missing tooth. Once this has fused with the bone, then it can support your new crown, bridge, or denture. 

There are several different types of implants. These include: 

• Single-tooth implants

• Full-mouth implants (All-on-4 or All-on-6)

• Implant-retained dentures

Whatever type of implant you choose, at The Village Dental, we usually follow these steps: 

1. Consultation 

We’ll give you a dental examination, and use the latest advanced technology to check your gums, bone density and oral health. This helps us determine if dental implants are suitable for you. Then we’ll talk to you about your treatment goals and help you choose the right option.

2. Implant placement 

If you go ahead with implants over dentures, your dentist will place the small titanium screw into your jaw. This will be a minor surgical procedure, performed under local anaesthetic for your comfort. However, if your bone is not dense enough, we may recommend a bone graft. Don’t worry, though - we’ll discuss this during your consultation.

3. Recovery

After your appointment, you will be advised to avoid hard foods, and very hot or cold food and drink. You may need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen in the first 24-48 hours, which you can purchase over-the-counter at most pharmacists and supermarkets. 

Over time, your implant site will gradually heal, and the titanium screw will fuse with your jawbone (osseointegration). This process will take roughly 3-9 months. 

4. New tooth 

At your final appointment, your crown (replacement tooth) will be placed to complete your new smile. Implants can also support dental bridges or implant-retained dentures. 

Dentures 

Dentures are removable replacement teeth. There are two main types: 

• Complete dentures - to replace all or most teeth.

• Partial dentures - to replace some teeth. 

Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth, and models will be prepared to ensure that your dentures will fit properly. Before providing your final dentures, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fit well. 

The benefits of dentures

Cost-effective

Dentures are usually cheaper than implants or other dental treatments, as there is no surgery involved. However, they will need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years as they become worn or start to slip. 

Minimally invasive

Some patients prefer to have dentures as no surgical procedures are involved, although they can become uncomfortable. 

Natural look

Modern dentures look very different from those of the past, and usually appear very natural. 

An option when implants aren’t suitable

Dentures may be suitable for patients who cannot have dental implants due to health reasons, for example, low bone density, a history of radiotherapy to the jaw, or poorly controlled diabetes. However, it is often still possible to have dental implants even with these conditions, and some types of implants, such as All-on-4, do not require as much bone. 

The benefits of dental implants 

Restoring bite force

For most patients, implants can restore between 80% and 90% of their previous bite force, letting you eat the food you love with confidence, including hard and crunchy foods that can be more challenging with dentures.

Protecting the jawbone 

When you chew or bite anything, your teeth naturally stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong. However, without teeth, your jawbone can deteriorate (resorption). Dental implants can stimulate your jaw the same way your natural teeth do, helping to maintain bone health. 

Protecting healthy teeth 

Your teeth work in pairs, and if you have a gap it can cause problems with the tooth above or below it, as well as its neighbours. However, by distributing pressure evenly in your mouth when you chew, dental implants prevent further wear and tear on your other teeth. This helps to protect your remaining natural teeth and overall oral health.

Durable and long-lasting 

Implants can last for 20-30 years with a good oral hygiene routine, and the NHS states that over 90% of implants placed 10 years ago are still working today. In contrast, dentures need replacement every 5-7 years, and can become very uncomfortable as they start to slip or become worn. 

Do you recommend dentures or implants?

For most patients, we recommend dental implants as the most reliable long-term solution. Although implants usually cost more than dentures, they’re a long-term investment in your health that can last for decades. As implants protect your jawbone and your other healthy teeth, they can help you avoid future dental procedures.

Book your consultation at The Village Dental & Implant Practice