10Jun
The Benefits Of Choosing Dental Implants Over Dentures
If you’ve lost one or more teeth and are exploring your options, I understand how overwhelming it can feel. As someone who has treated many patients in Centreville and throughout Fairfax County, I know that replacing missing teeth is not just about improving your smile—it’s about restoring your comfort, function, and confidence. Both dental implants and dentures can fill the gaps left by missing teeth, but they’re very different solutions. From my experience, dental implants offer long-term benefits that many of my patients value deeply.
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone underneath begins to shrink over time. Dentures simply sit on top of the gums and do not stimulate the bone. That’s one of the reasons dentures may become loose or uncomfortable after a few years. Dental implants, however, are placed directly into the bone, which helps preserve its structure and keeps your facial profile from changing. I’ve seen firsthand how implants restore stability, function, and self-confidence in ways that dentures often cannot.
What Makes Dental Implants A Better Long-Term Option
Dental implants are made of titanium posts that are placed into your jawbone, where they fuse naturally with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Once healed, a crown, bridge, or denture can be securely attached to the implant, providing a natural look and feel. Implants work like real teeth—they don’t shift, slip, or come out when eating or talking.
Here’s what I’ve seen my patients appreciate most about dental implants:
- Stronger Bite – Implants let you chew normally without worrying about slipping or discomfort.
- Jawbone Health – Implants help prevent the bone loss that usually happens with missing teeth.
- Natural Appearance – Implant-supported restorations blend beautifully with natural teeth.
- No Adhesives or Soaking – Implants don’t need special cleaners or overnight soaking.
- Permanent Solution – With proper care, implants can last decades, often for life.
Dentures, while a lower upfront cost, typically require replacement every 5 to 7 years. They also need frequent adjustments, and some patients experience sore spots or difficulty speaking clearly. Implants provide a more fixed, secure, and comfortable solution that often leads to higher long-term satisfaction.
Dental Implants Can Support More Than One Tooth
Another advantage is versatility. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or even a full arch, implants can be used in different configurations. A single implant can replace one missing tooth. A few implants can support a bridge or even a full denture, commonly known as an “All-on-4” solution. This flexibility means we can customize a plan that fits your exact needs and budget.
Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?
Most healthy adults are candidates for implants. If you have sufficient jawbone and are free from active gum disease, you’re likely a good fit. Even if you’ve worn dentures for years, bone grafting procedures can help rebuild the jaw to make implants possible. During your consultation, I evaluate your medical and dental history, take digital scans, and walk you through every step of the process.
Dental Implant Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Dental Implants And Dentures?
Dental implants are permanent fixtures that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as tooth roots. They provide a foundation for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Traditional dentures, on the other hand, rest on the gums and are removable. While dentures can be less expensive upfront, implants offer better long-term stability, comfort, and bone preservation.
Do Dental Implants Hurt?
Placing a dental implant is typically done under local anesthesia, and many patients say it feels no worse than having a tooth pulled. After the procedure, there may be mild soreness, but most people return to normal activities within a day or two. Over-the-counter medication is usually enough to manage any discomfort during healing.
How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
With proper care, dental implants can last 20 years or more. Many of my patients still have fully functional implants decades later. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups are essential to keeping the area healthy and free from infection.
Are Dental Implants Better For My Jawbone?
Yes. When a tooth is lost, the jawbone in that area no longer gets the stimulation it needs, leading to bone shrinkage over time. Implants stimulate the bone just like natural teeth, which helps preserve the bone’s structure and density. Dentures do not offer this benefit and may even accelerate bone loss over the years.
Can Dental Implants Improve My Ability To Eat And Speak?
Absolutely. Because implants are stable and secure, they let you eat a wide range of foods—steak, apples, corn on the cob—without worry. Speech can also improve, especially for patients who had difficulty with dentures slipping or affecting pronunciation.
Are Implants Safe For Older Adults?
Yes. Age alone doesn’t disqualify someone from getting implants. What matters most is overall health and bone density. I’ve successfully placed implants in patients well into their 70s and 80s who wanted a more permanent and stable solution than dentures.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost depends on how many teeth need to be replaced and whether additional procedures, like bone grafting, are needed. While implants are more expensive upfront than dentures, they last much longer and often prove to be more cost-effective in the long run. We’ll review all costs clearly and discuss payment options during your consultation.
What Happens If I Wait Too Long To Replace A Missing Tooth?
Delaying treatment can lead to bone loss and shifting of nearby teeth. This can make future implant placement more complicated. The sooner you replace a missing tooth, the easier and more predictable your treatment will be.
Schedule A Dental Implant Consultation In Centreville
If you’re tired of dealing with dentures or missing teeth, I would be happy to help you explore whether dental implants are right for you. At Total Dental Arts, my goal is to provide lasting solutions that improve your comfort, health, and confidence.
To schedule your consultation, contact our Centreville dental implant dentist at Total Dental Arts today by calling (703) 890-3200. We serve patients in Centreville and throughout Fairfax County, Virginia, and we look forward to helping you smile with confidence again.
