Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

If you're missing one or more teeth, both dental implants and dentures can restore your smile and function, but they work very differently. Understanding the differences can help you and our dentist decide which option best fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

How Dental Implants Work

A dental implant is a small titanium post surgically placed into the jawbone, topped with a custom crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Because implants fuse with the bone, they offer excellent stability and can help prevent the bone loss that often occurs after tooth loss.

How Dentures Work

Dentures are removable appliances custom-made to replace some or all of your teeth. Partial dentures fill in gaps left by missing teeth, while full dentures replace an entire arch. Dentures rest on the gums and are typically more affordable and less invasive than implants, though they may require more adjustments over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which option lasts longer, implants or dentures?

Implants can last decades or even a lifetime with proper care, while dentures typically need to be relined or replaced every 5-10 years.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Good candidates generally have enough healthy jawbone to support an implant. Our dentist will evaluate your bone health and overall oral health to determine if implants are right for you.

Are dentures or implants more comfortable?

Implants generally feel more like natural teeth since they're fixed in place, while dentures can sometimes shift or feel less secure, especially early on.

Does Primera Dental accept Medi-Cal for implants or dentures?

Coverage varies by plan, and we also offer Cherry financing so you can spread the cost of treatment over time. Our team can help review your options.

Does Primera Dental serve patients outside Lynwood?

Yes, we welcome patients from Lynwood, South Gate, Compton, Paramount, Downey, Bell, Bell Gardens, Huntington Park, and Cudahy.