Dental Implants vs. Dentures: What’s the Difference and Which Is Right for You?

If you’ve been living with tooth loss, you know it goes beyond just the look of your smile. It affects how you eat, speak, and even how you feel about yourself. Whether you’ve just lost a tooth or have been struggling with ill-fitting dentures, you're likely wondering which solution is better: dental implants or dentures?

At Fairway Dental in Granville, OH, we understand how overwhelming these choices can feel. That's why Dr. Johnson and our compassionate team take time to guide you through your options, with no judgment, just honest conversations and expert care. This guide is here to walk you through the differences between dental implants and dentures, so you can make the choice that's best for you and your long-term smile health.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that are designed to look, feel, and function like your natural teeth. They consist of a titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, which acts as the root of the tooth. Once the area heals, a custom crown is placed on top, completing your smile.

Benefits of Dental Implants

• Natural appearance and function
• Long-lasting, often a lifetime with proper care
• Prevents bone loss in the jaw
• No slipping or discomfort like traditional dentures
• Easier to eat and speak confidently

Implants are ideal for patients seeking a durable, low-maintenance solution that feels just like their real teeth.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable prosthetics that replace multiple missing teeth. They come in full (replacing all teeth on an arch) or partial (replacing several missing teeth) forms. Unlike implants, dentures sit on top of your gums and may use adhesive or clasps to stay in place.

Benefits of Dentures

• Non-surgical and less invasive
• Typically more affordable upfront
• A faster solution for tooth replacement
• Custom-fit to your smile

Dentures can work well for patients who need a quicker or more budget-conscious option, although they may require adjustments or replacements over time.

Key Differences Between Implants and Dentures

Deciding between dental implants and dentures involves more than personal preference. Here’s a closer look at how they compare in various areas:

1. Longevity

Dental implants: Built to last decades or even a lifetime with good oral hygiene.

Dentures: Typically last 5-8 years before needing replacement due to wear or changes in gum structure.

2. Comfort and Fit

Implants: Fixed in place, so there’s no slipping or rubbing. They feel just like natural teeth.

Dentures: May require adhesives and could cause sore spots with prolonged use.

3. Jawbone Health

Implants: Preserve bone density by stimulating the jaw during chewing.

Dentures: Over time, may lead to bone loss since they don’t engage the jaw the way real teeth (or implants) do.

4. Maintenance

Implants: Easy to care for, brush and floss like natural teeth.

Dentures: Require nightly removal and special cleaning solutions.

5. Cost Over Time

Implants: Higher upfront cost but often more cost-effective in the long term due to durability.

Dentures: Lower cost initially but frequent replacements and adjustments can add up.

What to Consider When Choosing

Your ideal tooth replacement solution depends on several factors:

• Bone health: Adequate bone is needed for dental implants; bone grafting is an option for some cases
• Budget and insurance coverage
• Timeframe: Implants take longer to complete but provide permanent results
• Comfort preferences
• Long-term oral health goals

Our team at Fairway Dental will evaluate all these considerations with your unique needs in mind. You’ll never be rushed, judged, or pressured, just listened to.

How Fairway Dental Makes Tooth Replacement Easier for You

We take pride in offering compassionate, high-quality care right here in Granville, OH. Whether you're considering dentures or exploring the advanced benefits of dental implants, we’re here to make the process smooth and supportive every step of the way.

Why Patients Choose Fairway Dental:

• All Services Under One Roof: From extractions to implant placement to custom-fit dentures, we handle your care without referring you elsewhere.
• IV Sedation for Anxiety: Nervous about dental procedures? We offer full IV sedation and nitrous oxide in a safe and calming environment for even the most anxious patients.
• Personalized Consultations: Dr. Johnson takes a supportive, no-pressure approach to help determine which treatment best meets your needs and goals.

Plus, if you do move forward with a dental implant, you’ll benefit from our in-house Glidewell IO technology, delivering same-day dental crowns so you won’t need multiple visits or temporary restorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients say the discomfort is minimal, comparable to a tooth extraction. With sedation options at Fairway Dental, even nervous patients can undergo the procedure comfortably.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

The entire process can take several months, especially if bone grafting or healing time is needed. However, the result is worth the wait and often lasts a lifetime.

Will dentures affect how I eat and speak?

Dentures do require an adjustment period. Over time, patients typically adapt well, though certain foods may remain more challenging than they are with implants.

Your Best Smile Is Just a Conversation Away

If you're ready to take the first step toward reclaiming your smile, whether that means exploring dental implants, updating an old denture, or simply asking questions, we're here for you. At Fairway Dental, everything we do is focused on providing judgement-free, personalized care backed by advanced technology and a down-to-earth team that truly listens.

Call us today at (740) 808-5572 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Johnson at our Granville office. Let’s find the solution that works for you, because everyone deserves to smile with confidence.