Are Your Dentures Slipping? Not with an Implant Support

Get all the support you need with implant-supported dentures. Linda K. Westmoreland, DDS, can help you smile with confidence at her Wedgewood Dental offices in Rolla and Salem, Missouri.

How do implant-supported dentures work?

Traditional dentures rest above the gum. Dr. Westmoreland employs another layer of protection with dental implants that allow your dentures to snap into place. She puts implants directly into your jawbone, which she can later adjust to make your smile just right.

Determine if implant-supported dentures are the right way to go

There are many reasons to choose implant-supported dentures, such as:

• You prefer to snap implants in place without using adhesive
• You possess good bone structure to support implants
• You prefer dentures rather than an entire set of permanent implants
• You and Dr. Westmoreland can decide together if implant-supported dentures are right for you.

Types of implant-supported dentures

Dr. Westmoreland uses two types of implant-supported dentures:

Ball-retained. The implant attaches to the jaw via a metal ball that sits in the socket of your denture.

Bar-retained. Dr. Westmoreland attaches a thin metal bar that curves along your jawline to several implants that hold your dentures in place.

Both types of dentures can be easily removed for daily cleaning.

How we create your implants

Dr. Westmoreland and our team want you to feel as comfortable as possible with your new dentures. The process includes:

• Measuring your jaw to create models of your mouth
• Creating your custom-fit dentures in our lab
• Placing implants in your jaw to support your dentures
• Fitting the dentures over the implants

You may also need bone grafts to keep your implants strong. This helps regenerate new bone to best support your dental implants.

Creating healthy implant-supported dentures

The more the merrier. While two implants are often sufficient to hold your dentures in place, four or more may work even better. Additional implants reduce the overall stress placed on individual components.

Location. Location. Location. This holds true for implants as well as real estate. The placement of each is crucial to keep your dentures in just the right spot. After all, your teeth live in your mouth. It’s up to us to provide a good home.

Cleanliness counts. Maintain your dentures for years with regular cleanings both at home and our dental office. Dr. Westmoreland recommends at least two cleanings per year with careful review of your gums and implants.

How to keep removable dentures clean

There’s nothing more important than cleaning your implants and dentures every day. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

• Remove your dentures and brush around the implant abutment with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive cleanser.
• Clean your dentures, rinse them, and place them overnight with a cleaning solution in a glass of water. 
• Awaken with a bright, new set of dentures every morning. Be sure to rinse them before attaching them to your implants.

Proper cleaning maintains your dentures and implants for years to come. Without adequate cleaning, the gums surrounding your implants may become inflamed. Eventually, the implants could shift and loosen, or fall out altogether.

Dr. Westmoreland and our caring dental team at Wedgewood Dental look forward to discussing how to maintain your implants and dentures. If you’d like to learn more about implant-supported dentures or any other dental solutions, simply give us a call or book an appointment online today.