Switching from dentures to dental implants involves careful planning, surgery, and recovery. This guide explains each step, from consultations to post-surgery care, and shares tips for a smoother transition. Learn how implants can improve comfort, function, and quality of life compared to dentures.

Making the switch from dentures to dental implants is a big decision—one that can completely transform your daily life. While dentures can restore your ability to eat and speak, they often come with limitations like slipping, discomfort, or changes in facial structure over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, offer a more permanent, natural-feeling solution that looks and functions like real teeth.

If you’ve been using dentures for years, but are looking for another option for replacing your teeth you might be wondering what the transition process looks like. Many of our patients ask us how long it takes, and what steps you can take to make it easier. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process from start to finish, highlight key differences between the two options, and share practical tips to help you feel confident about your decision.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a consultation with your dentist or oral surgeon. This is where they’ll review your dental and medical history, discuss your goals, and assess whether you’re a good candidate for implants. Expect to have X-rays or a 3D dental scan to evaluate your jawbone density and gum health.

Step 2: Bone Health and Possible Grafting

Many long-term denture wearers experience some degree of jawbone shrinkage, which can affect implant placement. If bone loss is significant, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to create a solid foundation. This step adds time to the process, but it’s crucial for the long-term success of your implants.

Step 3: Implant Surgery

Once your jawbone is ready, the dental implants are surgically placed into the bone. These titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on your comfort level and treatment plan.

Step 4: Healing and Osseointegration

After surgery, your jawbone needs time to fuse with the implants—a process called osseointegration. This usually takes several months, during which you may continue using temporary dentures or temporary fixed prosthesis. Proper healing is essential to ensure your implants remain secure for years to come.

Step 5: Placing the Permanent Teeth

Once healing is complete, your dentist will attach abutments (connectors) to the implants and place your custom-made crowns, bridges, or full-arch prosthesis. This is the exciting stage where your permanent smile is revealed.

Adjusting to Your New Smile

Switching from dentures to implants comes with an adjustment period. You may need time to get used to chewing, speaking, and caring for your new teeth. However, most patients find implants far more comfortable and stable than dentures, with no need for adhesives or soaking.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Follow all post-surgery care instructions to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
• Stick to soft foods during the initial healing phase.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene to protect your gums and implants.
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor progress.
• Be patient—the process can take several months, but the results are worth it.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants at a Glance

Feature	Dentures	Dental Implants
Stability	Can slip or move	Fixed and secure
Comfort	May cause sore spots	Feels like natural teeth
Maintenance	Removed for cleaning	Brushed and flossed like real teeth
Longevity	5–8 years	15+ years (with proper care)
Bone Health	Bone loss over time	Preserves jawbone

If you're interested in learning more about the differences, check out our blog Removable Dentures: Are They Still the Best Choice for Tooth Replacement?

The Bottom Line

Transitioning from dentures to dental implants is an investment in your comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. While the process takes time and careful planning, the end result is a stable, natural-looking smile that can dramatically improve your quality of life. By understanding the steps involved and following your dentist’s advice, you can ensure your transition is as smooth and successful as possible.

Recent research suggests a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Oral bacteria may contribute to brain inflammation and cognitive decline. This blog explores the science and how protecting your gums could support brain health.

Most people know that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bad breath—but recent research suggests the impact could go far beyond your mouth. Scientists are finding growing evidence that chronic periodontal disease may be linked to cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. While the connection is still being studied, it raises important questions about how the health of your gums may influence the health of your brain.

If you've been putting off that dental cleaning or ignoring bleeding gums, now might be the time to take oral care more seriously—not just for your smile, but for your long-term brain health. Here's what the research says.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It usually starts as gingivitis (red, swollen gums that bleed easily) and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.

But it doesn’t stop there—because this chronic inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth.

How Gum Disease May Affect the Brain

In recent years, studies have started to suggest that the bacteria and inflammation involved in gum disease may play a role in Alzheimer’s development in a few key ways:

1. Bacteria in the Brain:
   One of the main bacteria involved in gum disease—Porphyromonas gingivalis—has been found in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s. These bacteria may travel from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream or along nerve pathways.

2. Chronic Inflammation:
   Long-term gum disease causes systemic inflammation, which may contribute to the kind of chronic inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Inflammation is believed to play a key role in damaging brain cells and worsening cognitive decline.

3. Immune Response:
   When the body tries to fight off the bacteria from gum disease, it produces proteins and immune responses that may also harm brain cells over time.

What the Research Says

A growing number of studies have been carried out in the past few years and their results and analyses support the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s:

• A 2019 study published in Science Advances titled Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors found DNA evidence of P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, along with toxic enzymes called gingipains that may damage neurons.
  
• A 2024 review in the Internation Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health  titled Analysis the Link between Periodontal Diseases and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review concluded that people with chronic periodontal disease had a higher risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment.
  
• A 2024 study published in the Journal for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease titled Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s: Insights from a Systematic Literature Network Analysis highlighted two main pathways linking gum disease to brain inflammation—chronic inflammation and microbial spread—and suggested that maintaining good oral health could help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
  
• Other population-based studies have shown that individuals with a history of gum disease may experience more rapid cognitive decline compared to those with healthier gums.

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship, the evidence is compelling enough that many scientists now consider gum disease a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Gums—and Your Brain

The good news? Gum disease is preventable—and often reversible if caught early.

Here are a few simple but powerful steps:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily.
• Get regular professional dental cleanings—especially if you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of gum disease.
• Don’t ignore symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession.
• If diagnosed with gum disease, follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment and ongoing care.

Conclusion

The link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s is a reminder that oral health is whole-body health. Taking care of your gums might not just help you keep your teeth—it could help you keep your memory. While more research is needed, the connection is strong enough to take seriously. So next time you think about skipping your dental visit, remember: your brain might thank you.

If you haven't been able to access the dental care you require due to the high costs associated with dental care, at Aleriom we'll be more than happy to help you. Feel free to send us a message and we'll help you get started with your dental care safely and affordably.