Tooth Replacement Options: Dentures vs. Implants

Discover the best tooth replacement options in our dentures vs. implants guide. Learn benefits and find your perfect fit! Visit us now for expert advice!

If you are torn between removable and slippery dentures vs. implants that mimic your old tooth, you are not alone. The decision is made even more difficult when, according to Investopedia, the cost of these two procedures is $193 for a single denture and $2,000 for a dental implant. So, how do you pick which option, and what do you need to do to prepare your mouth for each one?

Below, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of both procedures. In this tooth replacement comparison guide, learn about the denture care you will need to undertake, what your dentist's implant maintenance guide likely entails, and how each option impacts your insurance.



Finally, discover how SoHo Dental Group can offer you the reassurance you need, whichever you choose.

Who Qualifies for Dentures vs. Implants

One of the primary reasons dentists use a 3D scanner to measure your jawbone before installing an implant is to ensure that your bone density is sufficient to support the post. If this is not possible, they will discuss other options with you, including switching to dentures for complete tooth replacement.

They will also be looking for other potential risks, such as:

• Healthy gum tissue
• Inflammation
• Bone reabsorption after wearing dentures
• Partial tooth loss

Several of the above may indicate that you will need to consider alternate choices, and you should consult with your dentist to discuss options tailored specifically to your needs.

How Smoking and Medical Conditions Affect Choice

If you have conditions such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes, these may impair healing by interfering with the normal bone repair process. You will need to discuss them with your dentist when they review your medical history so that the dentist can assess whether the treatment will be safe for your jaw.

Similarly, if you smoke, then the dentist will discuss the frequency with which you engage in the habit. If you smoke several cigarettes every day, your blood vessels are likely to be thinner, reducing the nutrients that can get to your jaw and making healing much slower. 

On the other hand, dentures do not require many of these considerations, as placing them in the mouth is not a surgical process. For many, this makes them a good fallback option.

As mentioned previously, the costs of dentures vs. implants can be significantly different. However, SoHo Dental Group will accept many PPO insurance plans. So, discuss your options with the staff to learn exactly what you can claim.

Typically, implants are often partially covered, with the crown and post being separately claimed.



Dentures, however, are more likely to receive coverage as they are wholly prosthetic.

Appointment Timeline for Each Option

The process of receiving both dentures and implants differs significantly from one another. Whether you want a single tooth or a complete mouth restoration, each will require a varying amount of time, depending on several factors.

Use the following information to determine which one you are more comfortable with.

Denture Benefits During the Treatment Process

Generally, dentures will require only a few visits, with the most extended waiting period being the time it takes for the prosthetic itself to be created. Soho Dental Group understands that this period can be stressful, so we aim to replace missing teeth as fast as possible while maintaining patient safety.

During your first visit, the dentist will take impressions of the gum ridge area to help understand the symmetry and other issues that may impact fit. They will then analyze this and create mockup dentures.

In a follow-up visit, the dentist will use wax or resin models to create an accurate impression of what the complete denture should look like, verifying:

• Alignment
• Bite
• Aesthetics
• Occlusion

The final version is then sent off to the labs so that they can craft a complete set of dentures.

During your next visit, you will likely receive your dentures. The dentist will ensure they fit correctly and that you understand how to use them.

This process includes offering advice on adhesives and providing common denture care tips related to cleaning, eating, and drinking. Any further follow-up will be to ensure that no rough areas emerge and that your mouth remains comfortable at all times.

Before and After Implant Surgery

The full implant is composed of both a permanent, titanium-implanted post and a crown, often made of ceramic or zirconia. On the day of surgery, this post is inserted into the jawbone, where the body will begin to bond with it through a process called osseointegration, helping the jaw hold onto it for a long time into the future.

While this involves jaw surgery, there is no doubt that an implant is inherently superior to a dental bridge or many other options, including dentures, for many reasons, including:

• Durability
• Comfort
• Gum health
• Natural feeling

Your initial consultation will involve several steps to ensure that your jaw is as healthy as possible. These include a scan to obtain an accurate mapping of the entire region, after which the dentist will be able to evaluate the volume of bone you have and determine whether an implant is likely to be successful. With this information, they can also plan exactly where to place and angle the implant.

Following the surgery, you will need to wait for up to six months for the implant to graft to your bone, after which your dentist will check that everything has healed as it should and then perform final alignment checks before ordering and installing the custom crown itself.



Additional work may be necessary to ensure that the crown fits properly, but once it is in place, one of the primary implant advantages is that it should remain secure both day and night.

Expert Advice and Next Steps at SoHo Dental Group

If you believe you need more information on dentures vs. implants, our dentists at SoHo Dental Group can give you advice that will put your mind at ease. Our certifications in denture and implant installation guarantee skill and precision at all times, from initial consultations to final results.

Please take advantage of our services and book a consultation online today. We will help you understand everything you need to know, ensuring a smooth and seamless process.