If you’ve lost a tooth, or several, you’re probably weighing your options and wondering which direction makes the most sense. Implants and dentures are both great solutions, but they’re quite different in how they work, what they cost, and who they’re best suited for.
We get this question a lot at Avalon Dental, so we put together this guide to walk you through both options clearly so you can figure out which one is the right fit for you.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is a small titanium post placed directly into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months. Once it’s healed, it acts as a permanent artificial root that supports a crown, bridge, or full-arch restoration on top. The result looks, feels, and functions almost exactly like a natural tooth.
How it works at Avalon Dental
Implants involve two phases, and it’s worth knowing how we fit into each one.
The surgical phase is performed by a specialist. At Avalon Dental, we handle the consultation and treatment planning, then refer you to a trusted local oral surgeon for the surgery itself.
Once your implant has healed, you come back to us for the restoration. Depending on your situation, that could be a crown for a single tooth, a bridge for a few adjacent teeth, or a full-arch denture secured to implants.
The whole process takes several months, mostly because of the healing time required after surgery.
Implants might be right for you if:
- You’re missing one or a few individual teeth and want a permanent solution
- You want the closest thing to a natural tooth in terms of feel and function
- You have enough jawbone to support an implant
- You’re looking for something that, with proper care, can last decades
Things to keep in mind:
- The process is longer than dentures. Plan for several months from start to finish
- Surgery is involved, with a healing period before we can place your restoration
- You’ll need adequate bone density as significant bone loss may mean implants aren’t the right fit, or that a bone graft is needed first
- Smokers and patients with uncontrolled diabetes have lower implant success rates, which is worth discussing with us upfront
Dentures
Dentures are custom-made removable appliances that replace missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. Modern dentures look far more natural than they used to, and we fabricate and fit them entirely in-house at Avalon Dental.
Complete dentures
Complete dentures replace a full arch of teeth: upper, lower, or both. They rest on your gum tissue and are held in place by suction and the natural shape of your mouth. They’re the traditional solution for patients who’ve lost all their teeth in an arch, and they restore the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Partial dentures
If you’re missing several teeth but still have some healthy natural ones remaining, partial dentures fill those gaps by clipping onto your existing teeth. They also help prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting into the empty spaces over time.
Dentures might be right for you if:
- You’ve lost most or all of your teeth in an arch
- Implants aren’t suitable for you whether that’s due to bone loss, health factors, or personal preference
- You need a solution that’s faster and more affordable
- You’d rather avoid surgery altogether
Things to keep in mind:
- Dentures need to be removed for cleaning and at night
- Lower dentures in particular can feel less stable and may need adhesive
- Over time your jawbone can change shape, which affects how your dentures fit and they’ll likely need relining or replacement down the road
- Most patients need a few weeks to feel fully comfortable with new dentures
More About Bone Loss
This is one of the most important things to understand when you’re choosing between implants and dentures and it’s something a lot of people don’t think about until later.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone in that area no longer gets stimulated the way it does from a natural root. Over time, it starts to shrink. This is why dentures that fit well at first can feel looser after a few years, and why some people notice changes in their facial shape after significant tooth loss.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that preserves jawbone, because the titanium post mimics the stimulation of a natural root. Dentures don’t stop that process.
However, plenty of people do great with dentures for years. But it’s worth understanding, especially if you’re relatively young and planning to live with your decision for a long time.
What Happens at a Consultation?
If you’re not sure which direction is right for you, a consultation is the best place to start. When you come in, we’ll:
- Examine your remaining teeth, gums, and bite
- Take X-rays to assess your bone levels and overall oral health
- Talk through your health history and any factors that might affect your options
- Give you an honest recommendation based on what we actually see — not a general overview
There’s no pressure to decide on the spot. We just want to make sure you leave with the information you need.
Ready to Figure Out Which Option Is Right for You?
The best way to get a real answer is to come in and let us take a look. Once we can see your mouth, assess your bone, and understand your goals, we can give you an honest recommendation.
At Avalon Dental in St. John’s, we offer consultations for both implants and dentures, and we’ll be upfront with you about what we think will work best for your situation.
