What Are Immediate Dentures? – Everything You Need to Know
If you’re in the process of getting ready for a full or Partial denture, your denturist may have brought up the concept of Immediate dentures.
Losing one or several teeth, whether due to gum disease, old age, or mouth trauma, can be replaced with partial or Full dentures. After a dentist extracts your teeth and prepares them for a new prosthetic, it can take several months to fabricate your custom denture.
In the meantime, you’ll have the option to wear immediate or temporary dentures so that you’re not left with no teeth for some time. Find out everything you need to know about Immediate dentures below and start your journey towards a better quality of life.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
An Immediate denture is exactly what the name entails.
The primary difference between Immediate dentures and their conventional counterparts is that the former is temporary. This type of denture was designed as a temporary solution so that you don’t have to deal with missing teeth for any period of time.
Immediate dentures are placed in your mouth on the same day that your dentist extracts your teeth, though they’re not custom fitted to the mouth like permanent dentures.
You may experience some soreness and discomfort during the first few days as your mouth heals and adjusts to the feeling of wearing dentures. To make a smooth transition to solid foods, opt for smoothies, applesauce, puddings, and other liquified foods.
Immediate Dentures Process
Here’s what typically happens when you choose immediate dentures:
1. Initial Consultation & Impressions
Before any teeth are extracted, your denturist will take measurements and impressions of your mouth. These are used to fabricate a custom temporary denture that closely matches your original teeth in shape, size, and color.
2. Tooth Extraction & Immediate Placement
On the day of your extraction, the prepared denture is inserted immediately after your teeth are removed. This prevents you from ever having to go without teeth in public.
3. Healing & Adjustments
Since your gums and bones will shrink and reshape during healing, the denture may loosen. Your denturist may perform relines or adjustments to maintain fit and comfort.
4. Transition to Permanent Dentures
After a few months of healing (usually around 3–6 months), your mouth will be ready for a permanent denture that fits your new oral structure precisely.
Read Our Blog: Adjusting To Dentures – What You Need to Know
Advantages of Immediate Dentures
There are a handful of benefits to wearing an Immediate denture, though the biggest factor is that you’ll never have to go in public without teeth.
When your denturist takes an impression of your teeth before extraction, your tooth colour, shape, and size help accurately match that of the denture so that the appliance looks natural.
During the healing period, an Immediate denture will act as a band-aid to protect the sensitive tissue and reduce any bleeding. It will also allow you to establish speech patterns and will prepare you to live with dentures before you get the real deal. This way, you won’t have to worry about relearning to speak with a prosthetic in your mouth.
Waiting too long to replace a missing tooth can eventually cause adjacent teeth to shift enough that problems such as crowding occur. In addition, without the support your teeth provide, your mouth and cheeks can begin to sag and sink. Immediate dentures provide the missing support and help prevent your facial muscles from sagging.
How to Take Care of Immediate Dentures?
Taking good care of your immediate dentures ensures your healing goes smoothly and extends the life of the appliance. Here are some essential tips:
Keep Them Clean
Brush your dentures daily using a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner. Don’t use regular toothpaste—it can damage the material.
Rinse After Eating
Remove and rinse your dentures after meals to avoid food buildup and maintain hygiene.
Soak Overnight
Store your dentures in a glass of water or a denture-cleaning solution overnight to keep them moist and prevent warping.
Handle with Care
Always handle your dentures over a soft surface or water-filled sink in case you drop them.
Monitor Fit
If you notice looseness or discomfort, visit your denturist for a possible adjustment or reline.
Attend Follow-Up Visits
Regular appointments will ensure your gums are healing well and your dentures continue to fit properly.
Ease Your Transition with Immediate Dentures
Ready to get your beautiful smile back and be able to enjoy all the foods you love?
Immediate dentures are a same-day solution, which means you won’t have to deal with missing teeth at any point.
At Belleville Denture Clinic, we will fabricate your prosthetic before your extraction surgery to help avoid the embarrassment of being without teeth. Our team of expert denturists works hard to provide our patients with the highest quality of service and results.
Take the next step toward restoring your smile, and learn more about the process and book your immediate denture consultation today!