Dental implants vs dentures comes down to fit, bone and budget. Implants replace the tooth root and help keep the jawbone from shrinking; dentures rest on the gums and may need to be relined or remade as the jaw changes. Implant-supported dentures combine the two.
Side by Side
| Dental implants | Dentures | |
|---|---|---|
| Jawbone | The FDA says implants help keep the jawbone from shrinking | May need relining or remaking as the jaw changes (ADA) |
| Neighboring teeth | Likely won't affect healthy neighbors (AAOMS) | Partial dentures rest on and around remaining teeth |
| Upkeep | Daily brushing and flossing plus regular visits (AAP) | Daily cleaning and periodic adjustments |
| Utah Medicaid | Not covered | Full or partial dentures covered for adults |
A Middle Option
For many people the choice isn't strictly dental implants vs dentures: AAOMS says implants can stabilize and secure a denture. See implant-supported dentures.
Durability
A 2019 review found 96.4% of implants still in place after ten years, and a 2024 review looked at 20-year survival of 88% to 92% across study types.
Still weighing dental implants vs dentures? Call (385) 213-6277 for a licensed dentist's opinion, or read about dental implants in Salt Lake City.
Sources: FDA: dental implants, ADA: dentures, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Academy of Periodontology, Utah Medicaid dental benefits, AAOMS: candidates, Howe et al., Journal of Dentistry, 2019, Kupka et al., Clinical Oral Investigations, 2024.