Losing a tooth—or multiple teeth—is more common than most people think. By age 50, the average American has lost 12 teeth, and the decision about how to replace them is one of the most important choices you’ll make for your long-term oral health. At Taylor Made Dental in Boardman, OH, Dr. Jeremy Taylor helps patients navigate this decision every week. The two most common options are dental implants and dentures, and each has distinct advantages depending on your situation.
Understanding Dental Implants
A dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root—a small titanium post that’s surgically placed into the jawbone. Over the course of several months, the bone fuses with the titanium in a process called osseointegration, creating an incredibly stable foundation. Once healed, a custom crown is attached to the implant, giving you a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like a natural one.
Implants offer several major benefits. They preserve jawbone density by providing the same stimulation that natural tooth roots do—without this stimulation, the bone gradually deteriorates. They don’t require any adhesives or special cleaning routines beyond normal brushing and flossing. They don’t affect neighboring teeth the way a bridge does. And with proper care, implants can last a lifetime. The main considerations are cost (implants represent a larger upfront investment) and the healing timeline, which typically takes several months from placement to final restoration.
Understanding Dentures and Partials
Dentures have been a trusted tooth replacement option for centuries, and modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than most people imagine. Full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth and rest on the gums. Partial dentures replace one or more missing teeth and clip onto remaining natural teeth for stability.
Dentures offer their own set of advantages. They’re typically more affordable upfront than implants. They can be fabricated more quickly, getting you a functional smile sooner. They don’t require surgery. And for patients who have experienced significant bone loss or have health conditions that make surgery risky, dentures may be the most practical option. On the other hand, dentures do require daily removal and cleaning, may need adhesive for a secure fit, and can sometimes slip during eating or speaking. Over time, the jawbone beneath dentures can shrink, requiring periodic adjustments or relines.
The Hybrid Approach: Implant-Supported Dentures
One option that’s become increasingly popular at our Boardman practice is the implant-supported denture. This approach uses two to four implants to anchor a full or partial denture, combining the affordability and simplicity of dentures with the stability and bone-preserving benefits of implants. The denture clicks securely onto the implants, eliminating slipping and the need for adhesive, but can still be removed for cleaning.
How to Decide: Questions to Ask Yourself
There’s no universally “right” answer—the best choice depends on your unique situation. Consider how many teeth need to be replaced: a single missing tooth is often best served by an implant, while multiple missing teeth across an arch might point toward a partial denture or implant-supported solution. Think about your jawbone health: adequate bone density is important for implant success. Consider your budget and timeline: implants cost more upfront but may be more economical over decades. And think about your lifestyle and priorities: if you want a solution you never have to think about, implants are hard to beat.
What We Recommend at Taylor Made Dental
Dr. Taylor’s approach is straightforward: he’ll give you an honest assessment of your situation, explain all your options clearly, and help you make the decision that’s best for your health, your comfort, and your budget. There’s never any pressure to choose the most expensive option. Some patients come in expecting to need implants and learn that a well-made partial will serve them beautifully. Others discover that the long-term value of implants makes more sense than they initially thought.
If you’re missing teeth and wondering about your options, call Taylor Made Dental at (330) 758-0505 to schedule a consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation, discuss the pros and cons of each approach, and build a plan that fits your life.