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Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:26:00 GMT

Choosing how to replace missing teeth can be overwhelming. Let's simplify your options.

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

If you're missing teeth, you've probably heard about two main options: dental implants and dentures. Both can restore your smile, but they work very differently — and one may fit your life much better than the other.

At Rome Dental & Implant Center, Dr. Jonathan Candido helps patients understand their options without pressure. Here's an honest comparison to help you make the right choice for your situation.

What's the Real Difference?

Dental implants are permanent. A titanium post is placed in your jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over a few months. Then a custom crown is attached on top. You brush them like normal teeth. They don't come out.

Dentures are removable. They sit on top of your gums and are held in place by suction (for upper dentures) or adhesive. You take them out at night and soak them. They need to be replaced or relined every 5-7 years as your jawbone changes shape.

Which One Lets You Eat Normally?

This is where the difference becomes obvious.

With dental implants, you get about 90% of your natural bite force back. You can eat steak, apples, corn on the cob — whatever you want. There's no adjustment period where you have to relearn how to chew.

Traditional dentures give you about 20% of your natural bite force. Many denture wearers find themselves avoiding certain foods entirely — anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky becomes a challenge. Lower dentures are especially frustrating because they tend to slide around without the suction that upper dentures have.

Dr. Candido puts it plainly: "Lower dentures are like a hockey puck on ice. They don't have suction. They're just sitting on your gums."

What About Bone Loss?

When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath starts shrinking. This happens because the bone no longer has a tooth root to support — so your body reabsorbs it.

Dental implants stop this process. The titanium post acts like a tooth root, giving your jawbone a job again. This preserves your facial structure and prevents the sunken look that many long-term denture wearers develop.

Dentures don't stop bone loss. In fact, the pressure from dentures resting on your gums can accelerate it. Over time, this bone loss causes dentures to fit more poorly, leading to more slipping, more adhesive, and more frequent adjustments.

Which Costs More?

Upfront, dentures are less expensive. A full set of traditional dentures might cost $1,500-$4,000. Dental implants for a full arch typically cost $20,000-$30,000.

But here's what most people don't consider: dentures need ongoing costs. Adhesive, cleaning solutions, relining every few years, and eventual replacement adds up. Over 20 years, the total cost of dentures often approaches or exceeds the cost of implants.

At Rome Dental, we offer financing through CareCredit, Cherry, Lending Club, and Proceed Finance. Our membership plan also provides 15% off all implant procedures.

Is There a Middle Ground?

Yes. Implant-supported dentures combine the affordability of dentures with the stability of implants.

Instead of relying on adhesive, your denture snaps onto 2-6 implants anchored in your jawbone. You still remove them at night, but they stay put while you're eating and talking. Even just two implants can transform a frustrating lower denture into something stable.

Dr. Candido often recommends this option for patients who want better stability but aren't ready for full implant reconstruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old for dental implants?

Probably not. Age alone doesn't disqualify you. We've placed implants in patients in their 80s. What matters is your overall health and bone density, not the number on your birthday.

How long do dental implants last?

The titanium implant post can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown on top typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear.

Can I convert my dentures to implant-supported dentures?

Often, yes. We can place implants and modify your existing denture to snap onto them, or create a new denture designed for implant support.

Do dental implants hurt more than getting dentures?

Implant surgery is done under local anesthesia — you won't feel pain during the procedure. Most patients say recovery is easier than expected. Dr. Candido personally calls every surgical patient the evening after their procedure to check in.

The Bottom Line

If you want the closest thing to getting your natural teeth back — teeth that stay in your mouth, let you eat normally, and preserve your jawbone — dental implants are the clear winner.

If budget is your primary concern and you're okay with the limitations of removable teeth, dentures may be the right choice. Implant-supported dentures offer a middle ground worth considering.

Expertise You Can Trust. Care You Can Feel.

Choosing between implants and dentures is a big decision — and you shouldn't have to make it alone. At Rome Dental & Implant Center, Dr. Candido takes the time to listen, explain your options clearly, and help you find the solution that fits your life. No pressure. No upselling. Just honest care from a team that genuinely wants the best for you. Call (315) 533-5003 to get started.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Rome, NY Guide | Rome Dental

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:21:36 GMT

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies never happen at convenient times. A cracked tooth at dinner. A knocked-out tooth at a Saturday soccer game. Pain that wakes you up at 3 AM.

Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. Here's your guide to handling common dental emergencies — plus how Rome Dental can help when you need us most.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Act Fast

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes matter. If you act quickly, the tooth can often be saved.

Step 1: Find the tooth immediately. Pick it up by the crown (the white part you see when you smile), never the root.

Step 2: Rinse gently if dirty. Don't scrub or remove any tissue fragments attached to the root.

Step 3: Try to put it back in the socket. Gently push it in and hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth. This gives the tooth the best chance of survival.

Step 4: If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist. Place the tooth in milk (not water), or tuck it between your cheek and gums. Keeping the root cells alive is critical.

Step 5: Get to a dentist within 30-60 minutes. The sooner we can reimplant the tooth, the better your chances of keeping it.

Call Rome Dental at (315) 533-5003 immediately. We offer same-day emergency appointments, and we're open seven days a week — including Sundays.

Severe Toothache: Finding Relief

A toothache that won't quit usually signals an infection, deep cavity, or cracked tooth. Here's what to do while you wait for your appointment:

Rinse with warm salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. This can help reduce inflammation and kill some bacteria.

Take over-the-counter pain relief. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) works better than acetaminophen for dental pain because it reduces inflammation.

Apply a cold compress. Hold an ice pack against your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This helps with swelling and numbs the area.

Don't put aspirin directly on your gums. This is an old folk remedy that can actually burn your gum tissue.

What you shouldn't do: Ignore it and hope it goes away. Dental infections don't resolve on their own, and they can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth: Assess the Damage

Not every crack is an emergency, but some require immediate attention.

Call us right away if: You can see a deep crack, the tooth is loose, you're in significant pain, or there's bleeding that won't stop.

It can probably wait a day or two if: It's a small chip with no pain, there's no sensitivity to hot or cold, and the tooth feels stable.

In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side. If there's a sharp edge bothering your tongue or cheek, cover it with dental wax or even sugarless gum until you can see us.

Lost Filling or Crown: Temporary Fixes

A lost filling or crown isn't usually an emergency, but you should see a dentist within a few days to prevent further damage.

If you lose a filling: You can temporarily fill the hole with sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid chewing on that side.

If your crown falls off: If possible, try to slip it back over the tooth — this protects the exposed tooth from sensitivity and damage. Use denture adhesive or toothpaste to hold it temporarily. Don't use regular glue.

Bring the crown with you to your appointment. We can often reattach it or create a new one quickly.

When to Go to the ER Instead

Most dental problems should be treated by a dentist, not an emergency room. The ER can give you pain medication and antibiotics, but they can't fix the underlying dental issue.

However, go to the ER if: You have severe swelling that's spreading to your eye or neck, you're having difficulty breathing or swallowing, you have a high fever with dental pain, or you've experienced significant facial trauma.

These symptoms can indicate a spreading infection that needs immediate medical attention.

Why Seven-Day Availability Matters

Rome Dental is open seven days a week — including Saturdays and Sundays — because dental emergencies don't check your calendar first.

Our hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 5 PM. Friday through Saturday, 9 AM to 3 PM. Sunday, 9 AM to 12 PM.

We offer same-day and next-day appointments for dental emergencies. You won't have to wait in pain for days until a Monday appointment opens up.

Whether you're a current patient or you've never been to our office before, we'll see you. If you're in pain, call (315) 533-5003 .

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I go to urgent care for a dental emergency?

A dentist is usually a better choice than urgent care for dental problems. Urgent care centers typically don't have dental equipment and can only prescribe medication — they can't actually fix the problem. Call us first.

How much does emergency dental care cost?

Emergency exams are included in our membership plan. For non-members, emergency exam fees are similar to regular exam fees. The total cost depends on what treatment you need. We'll always explain costs before starting treatment.

Can I wait until Monday if my tooth hurts on Saturday?

You don't have to. We're open on Saturdays and Sundays for exactly this reason. There's no need to spend the weekend in pain.

Have a dental emergency? Call Rome Dental at (315) 533-5003. We're here when you need us or you can simply click here !

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing what to do can save your tooth and ease your pain.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter (Even When Nothing Hurts) | Rome Dental

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 17:02:11 GMT

It’s a common misconception that caring for your little one’s baby teeth isn’t as important because they’re going to eventually lose them anyway. I love to educate parents (and children) about the importance of proper oral health, even for the youngest patients! This starts with understanding baby bottle tooth decay… and how to avoid it.

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter — Even When Nothing Hurts

"My teeth feel fine. Why would I go to the dentist?"

It's a fair question. Most of us only think about the dentist when something hurts. But here's the thing about dental problems: by the time you feel pain, they've usually been developing for months or even years.

Regular checkups aren't about finding problems to lecture you about. They're about catching small issues before they become expensive, painful, and complicated.

The $150 Problem That Becomes $3,000

Oral Cancer Screening: Five Minutes That Could Save Your Life

Gum disease is called "silent" because it rarely hurts until it's advanced. You might notice some bleeding when you brush, but most people dismiss it as brushing too hard.

Here's what's actually happening: bacteria are slowly destroying the bone that holds your teeth in place. By the time gum disease causes pain or loose teeth, significant bone loss has already occurred. And bone doesn't grow back on its own.

Early gum disease (gingivitis) is completely reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) requires more extensive treatment and may result in tooth loss.

Regular checkups catch gum disease in its early, reversible stages — before it threatens your teeth.d. We would love to have you visit us before the situation gets to that point.

A cavity doesn't hurt at first. It starts as a tiny spot of decay that you can't see and can't feel. At this stage, it's a $150 filling — quick, easy, done in one visit.

Leave that same cavity alone for a year, and it grows. Now it's reached the nerve of your tooth. Suddenly you're looking at a root canal ($800-$1,500) plus a crown ($800-$1,500). That's over $1,600 minimum for what would have been a $150 fix.

Wait even longer, and the tooth might not be saveable at all. Now you're choosing between a gap in your smile or a dental implant ($3,000-$5,000).

This is the math that makes prevention so valuable. Regular checkups let us catch cavities when they're tiny — before they become root canals and crowns.

Gum Disease: The Silent Problem

Every dental checkup includes an oral cancer screening. It takes about five minutes and involves examining your tongue, cheeks, throat, and neck for anything unusual.

Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. The five-year survival rate for early-stage oral cancer is around 84%. For late-stage oral cancer, it drops to around 39%.

You might never notice the early signs of oral cancer on your own — a small sore that doesn't heal, a white or red patch, a lump you can't explain. But Dr. Candido knows what to look for.

What Actually Happens at a Checkup?

Some people avoid checkups because they're not sure what to expect. Here's the reality: it's pretty straightforward.

The exam takes about 60-90 minutes for new patients, shorter for follow-ups. We'll take X-rays if needed (digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional ones). Dr. Candido will examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and mouth. Your hygienist will clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar that brushing misses.

Throughout, we'll explain what we're seeing. If there's something that needs attention, we'll discuss your options — no pressure, no guilt, just information so you can make good decisions about your health.

"But I Haven't Been in Years..."

If it's been a while since your last visit, you might be nervous about what we'll find — or worried about getting a lecture.

Dr. Candido doesn't do lectures. He remembers what it felt like to be scolded by his childhood dentist, and he's built a practice where that doesn't happen.

Whatever condition your teeth are in, we'll meet you where you are. Our job is to help you move forward, not make you feel bad about the past.

The worst thing you can do is let embarrassment keep you away longer. The second-best time to come in (after years ago) is today.

How Often Should You Actually Go?

For most people, every six months works well. This gives us enough time to catch developing problems early while keeping your teeth professionally cleaned.

Some people need more frequent visits: If you have active gum disease, we might recommend cleanings every 3-4 months. If you're prone to cavities, more frequent exams can catch decay sooner. If you have certain health conditions (like diabetes), more regular monitoring helps protect your oral health.

We'll recommend a schedule based on your individual situation — not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Making Checkups Affordable

Cost shouldn't keep you from preventive care. At Rome Dental, we've designed our membership plan specifically to make regular checkups accessible.

For $325 a year (less than $30 a month), the membership includes: Two comprehensive exams per year, two professional cleanings per year, two fluoride treatments per year, all necessary X-rays, emergency exams when you need them, and 15% off all other procedures.

There's no annual maximum, no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no insurance paperwork. Just straightforward preventive care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental checkups hurt?

For most people, checkups are painless. You may feel some pressure during the cleaning, especially if it's been a while. If you have sensitive teeth, let us know — we can adjust our approach.

What if I have dental anxiety?

You're not alone. We see anxious patients regularly, and we've built a practice around making people feel comfortable. We slow down, explain everything, and never rush. Just tell us how you're feeling — we'll work with you.

Are X-rays really necessary every time?

We don't take X-rays "every time" as a rule. We take them when they're clinically necessary — to diagnose problems we can't see with our eyes alone. Our digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film.

I brush and floss every day. Do I still need professional cleanings?

Yes. Even with excellent home care, tartar (hardened plaque) builds up in areas your toothbrush can't reach. Once plaque hardens into tartar, only professional tools can remove it.

Take the First Step

Regular checkups are the foundation of good dental health. They're how we catch problems early, keep your teeth clean, and help you avoid expensive emergency treatments.

At Rome Dental, we make checkups easy. We're open seven days a week, we don't lecture, and we're committed to honest, pressure-free care.

Ready to schedule? Call (315) 533-5003 or visit us at 114 W Thomas St, Rome, NY. Whether it's been six months or six years, we're here for you.

rome-dental

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Right for You?

What's the Real Difference?

Which One Lets You Eat Normally?

What About Bone Loss?

Which Costs More?

Is There a Middle Ground?

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Rome, NY Guide | Rome Dental

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter (Even When Nothing Hurts) | Rome Dental

Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter — Even When Nothing Hurts

The $150 Problem That Becomes $3,000

Oral Cancer Screening: Five Minutes That Could Save Your Life

Gum Disease: The Silent Problem

What Actually Happens at a Checkup?

"But I Haven't Been in Years..."

How Often Should You Actually Go?

Making Checkups Affordable

Frequently Asked Questions

Do dental checkups hurt?

What if I have dental anxiety?

Are X-rays really necessary every time?

﻿ I brush and floss every day. Do I still need professional cleanings?

Take the First Step

I brush and floss every day. Do I still need professional cleanings?