Depending on the type of implant and how many you need, dental implants can get pretty expensive. The final cost can range anywhere from $3,000 for a single implant to $30,000 for full arch implants. But although that might seem like a big investment, dental implants offer long-term benefits that make them worth it in the long run. They look like real teeth, last for decades, prevent jawbone loss, and improve your quality of life.
But dental implants aren’t right for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at the pros, the cons, and the alternatives.
Dental Implants: Pros and Cons
What Are the Advantages of Dental Implants?
1. Long-lasting Results
Dental implant posts are typically made from titanium, an extremely durable material that fuses directly to the bone. With proper care, they can last 30 years or more.
2. Less Risk of Bone Loss
One of the consequences of losing a tooth is that without stimulation from the tooth root, your body thinks the bone tissue there is no longer needed. This causes the jawbone to shrink as your body reabsorbs the bone tissue, and your face shape changes. Since a dental implant post mimics a natural tooth root and stimulates the jaw, it significantly reduces the risk of bone loss.
3. Strengthens Bite Force
If you have loose teeth or have been relying on dentures to restore your teeth, you likely have a weaker bite and have to avoid certain foods. Once they’re fully healed, dental implants provide a stable base that allows you to bite with the force of healthy teeth. However, it’s still important to avoid or at least limit hard and sticky foods to avoid damage.
4. Looks and Feels Natural
We customize your dental implants to perfectly fit your mouth, with durable materials that look and feel natural. And because they mimic natural teeth, they also allow you to speak naturally and clearly. No more whistling through the gaps or clunky speech from ill-fitting dentures.
5. Improves Quality of Life
Dental implants don’t click or shift like dentures, and they let you bite and chew normally so you can enjoy more of the foods you love. And if dealing with missing teeth or hiding your smile has got you down, dental implants boost your self-confidence.
What Are the Drawbacks to Getting Dental Implants?
- Dental implants require surgery, which always comes with risks.
- The process can take up to 12 months. Recovery after surgery takes around two weeks, but it can be months before the implant is fully fused with the jaw.
- Implants are more expensive than other tooth replacement options, and they may not be covered by some lower quality dental plans.
- If your jaw is not strong enough to support dental implants, you may need bone grafts first.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
If you want to avoid surgery or if dental implants are simply out of your budget, there are other options to restore your smile. Depending on how many teeth you need to replace, your alternatives are either a dental bridge or removable dentures.
A dental bridge can replace multiple missing teeth by using the remaining neighboring teeth as supports. A bridge is held in place by crowns on either side. Dentures can replace multiple missing teeth or a full arch.
Dental Bridges vs. Implants
Pros of bridges:
- There’s no surgery necessary.
- Bridges are less expensive than dental implants.
- The bridges can be placed in a single appointment
Cons of bridges:
- Bridges require fitting the supporting teeth with crowns, even if they’re healthy.
- They can be difficult to clean, and you might need special tools like a floss threader or interdental toothbrush.
- Dental bridges need to be replaced after about ten years.
Removable Dentures vs. Implants
Pros of dentures:
- Dentures are much less expensive than dental implants.
- Getting dentures does not require surgery.
Cons of dentures:
- Dentures need daily upkeep.
- Should be taken out every night to allow tissues some relief and to avoid fungal infections.
- They’re not very durable and need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
- Age poorly, often looking discolored, worn, and broken.
- Dentures don’t look or feel as natural as implants, and they do not stimulate the jaw, so face shape can change. This causes the underlying bone to atrophy, or slowly go away.
- They can click, shift, or fall out if they don’t fit properly.
Dental Implants, Bridges, and Dentures in South Jordan
The best way to decide whether or not dental implants are right for you is to consult an oral surgeon. If you’d like to learn more, make an appointment at Copper Creek Dental. Our doctors would be happy to discuss your options and answer all of your questions regarding the cost, the procedure, and the alternatives.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (4/28/2026). Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash