Are you looking to replace one or possibly two missing teeth? If so, you have several options, including implants and dentures. Choosing dental implants or dentures depends on different factors such as remaining teeth, the health of your jawbone, preference, and price.
Bone tissue loss can alter a person's facial features, making them appear older. Bone grafting is necessary to provide a stable foundation for implant-supported dentures.
If you're looking for a permanent tooth replacement, nothing can rival dental implants. But if you are looking for removable replacements for a partial or full arch of missing teeth, dentures are an ideal option.
Each procedure has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to talk to your dentist to know the best option. Let's discuss bone grafts for dentures vs. dental implants.
Key Takeaways
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Bone grafts rebuild lost jawbone to support either implants or more stable dentures.
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They prevent further bone loss, preserve facial structure, and improve function.
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Healing and success depend on overall health, graft type, and surgical precision.
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Implants typically provide the most secure, permanent solution once bone strength is restored.
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Financing options and modern techniques make grafting safer and more accessible than ever.
Who Is This blog post For?
This guide is for people considering full or partial dentures, or dental implants, who have been told they may need a bone graft first. It’s also for anyone who’s lost bone density in their jaw and wants to understand how grafting can restore stability, appearance, and long-term oral health.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are prosthetic teeth used as a replacement for teeth that have been lost due to an injury or tooth decay, amongst other causes. They are designed to match the size and shape of the jaw and are removable. There are two main types of dentures:
- Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are worn by patients missing a particular arch of teeth and anchor on existing teeth to prevent unnecessary movement from biting forces.
- Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are worn by patients missing all their teeth in a single arch, and the surrounding soft and hard tissue supports them.
Dentures need to be adjusted or reclined after one or two years because of the natural changes that occur after teeth removal. After tooth extraction, the gum tissue and bone begin to shrink because the roots are absent.
The seal between the gums and dentures reduce due to these changes causing movement. Ill-fitting dentures can cause further tissue changes and bone loss.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium posts or metal screws embedded surgically into a patient's jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Implants support different prosthetics, such as implant bridges or a crown.
They are also used to retain dentures by using components designed to lock them into place, preventing embarrassing or annoying movement. They are similar to tooth roots and take up space in the jaw bone preventing further bone loss. Implant dentures are of three main types.
- Endosteal Implants
Endosteal implants are performed in the bone where blades, cylinders, and screws hold the teeth for patients with removable dentures or bridges. The screw is placed into the jawbone to hold the replacement tooth.
- Subperiosteal Implants
Subperiosteal implants are performed on the bone when a patient doesn't have adequate bone to support the implant. They can either be placed above or on the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth.
- Implant Overdentures
Implant overdentures can be a better option than traditional dentures for healthy patients who can undergo tooth extraction. Overdentures are done on top of implants to add stability. The benefits include improved speech, minimized discomfort, and ease of chewing foods.
What Is a Bone Graft and Why Is It Needed?
A bone graft is a procedure that rebuilds or replaces lost jawbone tissue so it can properly support dentures or implants.
When a tooth is lost, the jawbone beneath it starts to shrink over time. This loss can make it difficult to place an implant or keep dentures stable. A bone graft fills and strengthens the area using natural or synthetic bone material, allowing the bone to regenerate and provide a solid foundation again.
Key reasons for bone grafting:
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To rebuild bone after tooth loss or gum disease
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To create a foundation for dental implants
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To improve denture stability and comfort
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To preserve facial structure and prevent sagging appearance
Learn more about bone grafting procedures in our related bone graft blog series.
How Does Bone Loss Affect Dentures and Dental Implants?
Bone loss affects both dentures and implants, but in different ways.
For dentures, bone loss causes the jaw to shrink and change shape over time, leading to poor fit, slipping, and discomfort. For implants, insufficient bone means the titanium post cannot anchor securely — making a graft essential before placement.
Without bone grafting, you may experience:
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Loose or uncomfortable dentures
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Jaw changes that alter facial appearance
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Difficulty chewing and speaking
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Reduced eligibility for implants later
A graft restores the natural contours of your jaw and keeps your oral health stable for the future.
What Are the Differences Between Bone Grafts for Dentures and Dental Implants?
The difference lies in purpose and the amount of bone needed.
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For dentures: Bone grafts are used to rebuild the ridge and create a more even, stable base. This helps dentures fit better and feel more secure.
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For implants: Grafts must be stronger and more precise because implants rely on bone integration (osseointegration). The graft must fully heal and fuse before the implant post can be placed.
In short:
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Grafts for dentures = improve fit and comfort
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Grafts for implants = rebuild deep bone for permanent tooth replacement
What Types of Bone Grafts Are Used?
Different types of grafts are chosen based on your needs, oral condition, and surgical goals.
Common graft materials include:
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Autograft: Bone from your own body (often the chin or hip)
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Allograft: Processed bone from a human donor
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Xenograft: Bone from an animal source (commonly bovine)
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Alloplastic (synthetic): Biocompatible materials that encourage bone growth
We choose the safest and most effective option for your case, focusing on minimizing recovery time and ensuring strong, predictable results.
How Long Does It Take for a Bone Graft to Heal?
Healing typically takes 2 to 6 months, depending on your health and graft type.
In this period, the bone gradually fuses and strengthens. For implant patients, we monitor this process closely using imaging before placing the implant. For denture patients, impressions are made after healing to ensure the most comfortable fit.
You can support faster healing by:
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Following post-surgical care instructions carefully
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Avoiding smoking and alcohol
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Eating soft, nutrient-rich foods
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Attending all follow-up visits
Advantages of Dental Implants vs. Dentures
Even though dentures and implants act as a replacement for missing teeth, implants are a longer-lasting option, especially if you have a large amount of dental work already done, including tooth extractions, crowns, root canals, etc. Here are benefits of dental implants vs. dentures.
1. Dentures Need Special Care and Maintenance
Dentures need to be cleaned every night as directed and require extra care. Dental implants like natural teeth simply need to be brushed and flossed every day and checked on by your dentist after six months, making them easier to manage.
2. Dentures Will Need Replacement After Some Time
If you choose dentures, there is a high probability they will need replacement after a few years. But dental implants can last a lifetime with good oral care.
Wearing dentures increases the risk of irritation between the gum line and denture. There is also a likelihood of getting an infection if you don't follow good dental hygiene standards.
3. Dental Implants Help Prevent More Bone Loss
As stated earlier, dental implants act as a replacement for tooth roots to prevent further bone loss. Dentures only sit on the gum, providing an aesthetic tooth replacement so bone shrinkage and loss will occur in time. After a teeth removal procedure, a gap is left on the jawbone, which encourages further bone loss.
4. Implants Look More Like Natural Teeth
Implants function and look just like natural teeth and can withstand chewing and biting forces. It means that you don't have to restrict or change your diet like you would if you chose dentures.
How Do Bone Grafts Improve the Success of Dental Implants?
Bone grafts significantly increase the long-term success rate of implants.
When bone density is restored, the implant post can fuse securely to the jaw — ensuring stability and strength for decades. Without sufficient bone, implants may fail or shift.
A well-healed graft supports:
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Better implant placement and alignment
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Stronger bite force and function
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More natural-looking results
Risks
Some patients may not be eligible for dental implant surgery immediately. Your dentist will work with your medical doctor to address your needs and identify the best implants for you. The following issues need to be addressed before a person can have the surgery.
- Soft tissue infection
- Bone infection or disease
- Acute illness
- A metabolic disease that is uncontrollable
Dentures vs. Dental Implants: Between the Two Which Is the Most Convenient Tooth Replacement Option
A dental implant is an ideal option if you want a permanent tooth replacement that needs the same care as your natural teeth. It is a great way to replace your missing teeth and prevent further jaw bone deterioration. You won't have to change your diet or be self-conscious because people will not be able to tell the difference between an implant and the rest of your natural teeth.
Cost
Dental implant surgery cost varies depending on these factors:
- Location of the implants
- Types and number of implants needed
- If there is a need for additional procedures to prepare your mouth for surgery
Your oral surgeon will give you an estimate of the cost of the surgery during the initial consultation. Most dental insurance policies cover a considerable fraction of the cost.
The Bottom Line: Bone Grafting Builds the Foundation for a Confident Smile
Bone grafting is more than a preparatory step — it’s the key to lasting results, whether for dentures or implants. By rebuilding your jaw’s strength and structure, you not only restore your smile but also protect your long-term oral health and confidence.
Choose the Best Oral Surgeon
Tooth implants get done in different stages, and you will need some time to heal and recuperate. If you have a tooth extracted, talk to your dentist to know if dentures or implants are right for you. If they think either would be a good option for you, you may consider choosing implants because they last a lifetime and help prevent further bone loss.
At North Shore Smile Surgery, we have over 30 years of experience, the latest technology, and a comfortable environment to give you the smile you deserve. Whether you have been thinking of replacing your teeth with implants or your dentist recommended getting a tooth extracted, we are here to improve your oral health. We accept most dental insurances.
Schedule an appointment with us today to find out more about how we can help you with bone grafts and implants.
