Can I Still Get Dental Implants After Wearing Dentures for Years?
Can You Still Get Dental Implants If You’ve Worn Dentures for Years?
Many people believe that wearing dentures for a long time means implants are no longer an option. Some worry that they have lost too much bone, others about their age, and many simply feel the chance has passed.
At The Implant Centre, we regularly help patients who have worn dentures for decades — and they are often delighted to discover that implants are still possible, and often life-changing.
How Do Dentures Affect the Jaw Over Time?
Traditional dentures rest on the gums rather than being anchored into the bone. Without the stimulation that natural teeth provide, the jawbone gradually shrinks — a natural process called bone loss.
Over time, this can lead to:
Loose or unstable dentures
Difficulty biting and chewing
Sore spots on the gums
Changes in facial appearance
Although bone loss can make implant treatment more complex, it does not mean it is no longer possible. With today’s technology and techniques, many long-term denture wearers can still benefit from implants.
Are Implants Still Possible After Long-Term Denture Wear?
Yes. Advances in implant dentistry mean there are several options even when bone has reduced, such as:
Short or angled implants – to avoid the need for bone grafting in some cases
Bone grafts or sinus lifts – rebuilding areas where support is needed
All-on-4 treatment – using four implants placed in key positions to support a full arch of teeth, often in just one day
Every case is carefully assessed with 3D scans to plan treatment with precision.
What Are the Benefits of Moving from Dentures to Implants?
Patients who switch from dentures to implants often say the difference goes far beyond their smile. Benefits include:
Teeth that feel secure and natural
Freedom to eat a wider variety of foods
Clearer speech and easier social interaction
No more adhesives or pastes
Reduced gum irritation
A more youthful appearance, as implants help maintain bone structure
Above all, patients describe the change as a return to confidence and comfort in everyday life.
“I Thought It Was Too Late – Until I Asked”
It is common for patients to come to us believing implants are not an option — sometimes because of age, sometimes because of bone loss. After a full medical review and 3D scan, many are surprised to find they are suitable after all.
We have seen patients who wore dentures for 20, 30, even 40 years move to fixed teeth. From enjoying a steak again to smiling confidently in family photos, the stories are always personal and powerful.
What Makes Implants Possible After Bone Loss?
We begin with a detailed 3D scan to understand your bone and plan treatment precisely. Where bone loss is present, we can often rebuild it with grafting or sinus lift procedures. In many cases, angled implant placement allows us to avoid grafting altogether while still achieving stable, secure results.
For nervous patients, we also offer intravenous sedation and use minimally invasive techniques to support quicker recovery and comfort.
Does Wearing Dentures for Years Affect My Suitability?
How long you have worn dentures is just one factor. We also consider your general health, gum condition, bone levels, and oral hygiene. After a full consultation and scan, we can give you a clear answer about whether implants are right for you.
There is no upper age limit for dental implants. What matters most is whether your mouth can provide a stable foundation for treatment.
What Is Life Like After Moving to Implants?
For most patients, the change is dramatic. Eating becomes easier. Smiling feels natural. There’s no more worry about dentures slipping.
Caring for implants is simple: daily brushing and flossing, plus regular check-ups. Patients often tell us they finally feel like themselves again — free from the reminders and limitations of removable dentures.
Ready to Find Out What Is Possible?
If you have worn dentures for years and assumed implants were no longer an option, it may be time to take another look. At The Implant Centre, we have helped thousands of patients move from removable dentures to secure, long-lasting implant solutions.
Book a consultation in Brighton or Haywards Heath today — you may be closer than you think to enjoying the comfort and confidence of a natural-looking smile.
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