Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures (sometimes called temporary, band-aid, or transitional dentures) are placed in the mouth immediately after extraction of your natural teeth. This approach is used when someone does not want to be without teeth for several months during the healing of the gums, sockets and bone.
During the healing process, your gums that support the denture will shrink. It is very important to keep all appointments with your denturist during this period because your denture will require adjustments and fittings.
Immediate dentures are made before the extraction of the natural teeth. The date of your dental surgery for extraction of your teeth should be set for after the fabrication of the dentures is complete. When you are getting your first dentures, it is important to remember that it takes time, perseverance and practice to get used to wearing and using them properly.
Things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to go with immediate dentures vs. conventional dentures (extractions, heal, then make dentures) is:
1. The denture is being made before the teeth are out, so try-in of the denture before it is finished to verify that the look of the denture is acceptable is not possible. Use of anatomical landmarks in the mouth and using the natural teeth present to use as a guideline are methods used when setting up the position and size of the teeth, but without being able to do a try-in, there is a chance that something with the aesthetics could be off.
2. The denture is being made before the teeth are extracted, so the denturist has to do an educated "guesstimate" on what the gums will look like after the extraction of the teeth. Because there is no way to know exactly what the gums will look like, the fit of the denture will be wonky for the first 2 weeks while wearing the new dentures.
After 2 weeks of healing, the gums will heal up enough to allow the denturist to place a temporary liner in the immediate denture(s) which will make them fit more comfortably and allow them to sit as close to the gums as possible.
Over the next 6-8 months, bone resorption and healing occurs which makes the denture loose, so repeated visits to the denturist to place temporary liners is necessary to accomodate that shrinkage and make the denture fit properly.
3. After completion of healing (6-8 months of healing after extractions), it will be time to make the final prosthesis which will correct any issues with aesthetics, fit and function found with the immediate dentures because wax denture try-ins can be done before completion of the dentures, which ensure patient satisfaction with the aesthetics, fit and function of the denture before they are completed (no suprises).
During the healing process, your gums that support the denture will shrink. It is very important to keep all appointments with your denturist during this period because your denture will require adjustments and fittings.
Immediate dentures are made before the extraction of the natural teeth. The date of your dental surgery for extraction of your teeth should be set for after the fabrication of the dentures is complete. When you are getting your first dentures, it is important to remember that it takes time, perseverance and practice to get used to wearing and using them properly.
Things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to go with immediate dentures vs. conventional dentures (extractions, heal, then make dentures) is:
1. The denture is being made before the teeth are out, so try-in of the denture before it is finished to verify that the look of the denture is acceptable is not possible. Use of anatomical landmarks in the mouth and using the natural teeth present to use as a guideline are methods used when setting up the position and size of the teeth, but without being able to do a try-in, there is a chance that something with the aesthetics could be off.
2. The denture is being made before the teeth are extracted, so the denturist has to do an educated "guesstimate" on what the gums will look like after the extraction of the teeth. Because there is no way to know exactly what the gums will look like, the fit of the denture will be wonky for the first 2 weeks while wearing the new dentures.
After 2 weeks of healing, the gums will heal up enough to allow the denturist to place a temporary liner in the immediate denture(s) which will make them fit more comfortably and allow them to sit as close to the gums as possible.
Over the next 6-8 months, bone resorption and healing occurs which makes the denture loose, so repeated visits to the denturist to place temporary liners is necessary to accomodate that shrinkage and make the denture fit properly.
3. After completion of healing (6-8 months of healing after extractions), it will be time to make the final prosthesis which will correct any issues with aesthetics, fit and function found with the immediate dentures because wax denture try-ins can be done before completion of the dentures, which ensure patient satisfaction with the aesthetics, fit and function of the denture before they are completed (no suprises).
Advantages
Immediate dentures offer several advantages for individuals who are facing the prospect of tooth extraction and need a quick solution for tooth replacement. Here are some of the key advantages of immediate dentures:
Immediate Tooth Replacement: As the name suggests, immediate dentures are created in advance and can be placed in your mouth right after your remaining teeth are extracted. This means you don't have to go without teeth during the healing process, which can be a significant advantage for aesthetic and functional reasons.
Minimal Time Without Teeth: Immediate dentures help you maintain your appearance and speech patterns by minimizing the time you spend without teeth. This can be especially important for individuals who are concerned about their appearance during social or professional interactions.
Preservation of Facial Structure: When teeth are removed, the underlying bone can start to resorb or shrink over time. Immediate dentures help maintain the shape and structure of your jawbone, as they act as a placeholder until a more permanent solution, such as conventional dentures or implant-supported dentures, can be considered.
Customized Fit: Immediate dentures are typically custom-made to fit your mouth, providing a comfortable and secure fit. This helps with speaking, eating, and overall comfort during the transition period.
Gradual Adjustments: Immediate dentures may require adjustments as your mouth heals and changes shape. Your denturist can make these modifications to ensure the dentures continue to fit well and function properly.
Functional Benefits: Even though they are designed for temporary use, immediate dentures can significantly improve your ability to eat and speak compared to having no teeth at all.
Psychological Benefits: Maintaining a full set of teeth, even if they are immediate dentures, can boost your self-esteem and confidence during the transition to permanent dentures.
It's important to note that while immediate dentures offer these advantages, they are considered a temporary solution. Over time, as your mouth heals and the shape of your jaw changes, you may need adjustments or a transition to conventional dentures or implant-supported dentures for a more permanent and customized solution. Your denturist will guide you through this process and recommend the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual needs.
Immediate Tooth Replacement: As the name suggests, immediate dentures are created in advance and can be placed in your mouth right after your remaining teeth are extracted. This means you don't have to go without teeth during the healing process, which can be a significant advantage for aesthetic and functional reasons.
Minimal Time Without Teeth: Immediate dentures help you maintain your appearance and speech patterns by minimizing the time you spend without teeth. This can be especially important for individuals who are concerned about their appearance during social or professional interactions.
Preservation of Facial Structure: When teeth are removed, the underlying bone can start to resorb or shrink over time. Immediate dentures help maintain the shape and structure of your jawbone, as they act as a placeholder until a more permanent solution, such as conventional dentures or implant-supported dentures, can be considered.
Customized Fit: Immediate dentures are typically custom-made to fit your mouth, providing a comfortable and secure fit. This helps with speaking, eating, and overall comfort during the transition period.
Gradual Adjustments: Immediate dentures may require adjustments as your mouth heals and changes shape. Your denturist can make these modifications to ensure the dentures continue to fit well and function properly.
Functional Benefits: Even though they are designed for temporary use, immediate dentures can significantly improve your ability to eat and speak compared to having no teeth at all.
Psychological Benefits: Maintaining a full set of teeth, even if they are immediate dentures, can boost your self-esteem and confidence during the transition to permanent dentures.
It's important to note that while immediate dentures offer these advantages, they are considered a temporary solution. Over time, as your mouth heals and the shape of your jaw changes, you may need adjustments or a transition to conventional dentures or implant-supported dentures for a more permanent and customized solution. Your denturist will guide you through this process and recommend the most suitable treatment plan based on your individual needs.