If you’ve been wearing dentures for a long time, you may think that switching to dental implants is no longer an option. You might wonder if too much time has passed, or if your jawbone can even support implants anymore.

The truth? Yes—you absolutely can get dental implants after years of wearing dentures.

At Caring Dental, we regularly help long-time denture wearers transition to implants for a more secure, comfortable, and confident smile. While there may be some extra steps involved, modern implant technology makes it entirely possible—and incredibly rewarding.

Let’s explore what’s involved, what to expect, and how you can start your journey toward a better smile.

Why Consider Switching from Dentures to Implants?

Traditional dentures rest on the gums and are held in place by suction or adhesives. While they can restore the appearance of your smile and allow for basic chewing, they come with some well-known drawbacks:

• Looseness or slipping while eating or talking
• Sore spots or gum irritation
• Changes in speech
• Difficulty chewing tough or crunchy foods
• Ongoing adjustments and relines
• Loss of confidence due to instability

Over time, dentures can become less effective—not because of the denture itself, but because of what’s happening underneath: bone loss in the jaw.

How Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss

When natural teeth are lost, the jawbone no longer receives the stimulation it needs from chewing forces. This lack of stimulation leads to bone resorption—a gradual shrinking of the bone beneath the gums.

Long-term denture wearers often experience:

• Jawbone shrinkage
• Changes in facial shape (sunken cheeks, aged appearance)
• Poor denture fit over time
• Increased risk of sore spots and infections

That’s why many people turn to dental implants as a more permanent solution.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed in your jawbone, acting like artificial tooth roots. They fuse with the bone (a process called osseointegration) and provide a strong foundation for:

• Single tooth replacements
• Implant-supported bridges
• Full-arch restorations (like All-on-4® or implant-retained dentures)

Unlike traditional dentures, implants stimulate the bone, preserving your facial structure and providing unmatched stability.

Can You Still Get Implants After Wearing Dentures for Years?

Yes—but with a few key considerations. The biggest factor is the condition of your jawbone.

After years of denture use, your bone may have thinned or resorbed to a point where it can’t immediately support implants. But don’t worry—there are solutions.

• Bone Grafting: If there isn’t enough bone for implant placement, bone grafting can help rebuild and strengthen the area. This involves placing grafting material in areas with low bone volume and allowing it to heal before implants are placed. It may extend your treatment timeline slightly, but it dramatically improves the success of your implants.
• Zygomatic or Mini Implants: In some cases, mini implants (which require less bone) or zygomatic implants (anchored in the cheekbone) may be options if grafting isn’t feasible. These are typically reserved for very specific cases and require specialized evaluation.
• 3D Imaging for Precision: At Caring Dental, we use advanced 3D imaging to evaluate your bone health and design a custom treatment plan. This allows us to determine exactly where implants can be placed—even in patients with significant bone loss.

Implant-Supported Dentures: The Best of Both Worlds

If you’ve been using full dentures for years, you might be a great candidate for implant-supported dentures. These combine the structure of implants with the full arch design of dentures, offering:

• A secure, snap-in fit (no adhesives needed)
• Better chewing power
• Improved speech
• Less irritation and movement
• A more youthful facial appearance

This option typically uses 2–6 implants per arch, depending on your needs and bone availability.

Benefits of Dental Implants for Long-Term Denture Wearers

Making the switch to implants offers life-changing improvements, including:

• No more slipping or clicking—eat and talk with total confidence
• Better nutrition—chew fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats again
• Preserved bone structure—prevent further bone loss and facial collapse
• Long-term savings—no more relines, adhesives, or constant adjustments
• Improved quality of life—feel younger, stronger, and more secure in your smile

Many of our patients say they wish they’d made the switch sooner.

What to Expect From the Process

The implant journey varies depending on your starting point, but here’s a general overview of what to expect at Caring Dental:

1. Consultation and 3D Imaging: We evaluate your current dentures, jawbone, and overall health to determine your implant options.
2. Treatment Planning: If bone grafting is needed, we’ll schedule that first. If you’re ready for implants right away, we’ll plan surgical placement.
3. Implant Placement: Using precision techniques, we place the implants into your jaw. Temporary teeth may be placed while you heal.
4. Healing and Integration: Over a few months, the implants fuse to your bone. Once healed, we attach your custom crowns, bridge, or denture.
5. Final Restoration and Smile Reveal: You’ll leave with a smile that feels strong, secure, and completely natural.

Is It Too Late for You?

Absolutely not. Age is not a barrier to dental implants. In fact, many of our implant patients are in their 60s, 70s, or beyond. The key is bone health and medical suitability—not how long you’ve had dentures.

Even if it’s been years, the first step is easy: schedule a consultation at Caring Dental, and let us evaluate your options.

Ready to Make the Switch?

You’ve lived with dentures long enough. Why not explore a better, more comfortable way to smile, eat, and live?

Contact Caring Dental today to schedule your dental implant consultation. Whether you need bone grafting, implant-supported dentures, or a full arch restoration, we’ll help you transition from dentures to a confident, permanent smile—no matter how long it’s been.