What Are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed in your mouth on the same day your remaining teeth are extracted. They are designed to help you avoid being without teeth during the initial healing process, allowing you to maintain your smile while your gums begin to heal.
Because immediate dentures are made before your teeth are removed, they are created using impressions and measurements taken while your natural teeth are still present. This allows us to prepare your dentures in advance and gather important information that your natural teeth give us.
What Should I Expect After Getting Immediate Dentures?
Getting used to immediate dentures takes time, and it is important to understand that your mouth will go through several changes as it heals.
After your extractions, you may experience some swelling, tenderness, and difficulty speaking or eating normally at first. These are common parts of the adjustment process. Your dentures may also feel bulky or unfamiliar initially, but most patients gradually adapt as they become accustomed to wearing them.
We understand that having teeth extracted and transitioning to dentures can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to help make this process as comfortable and predictable as possible while supporting your healing and helping you feel confident about your smile.
Immediate dentures offer the advantage of having teeth in place right away, but they also require patience, follow-up care, and adjustments as your mouth heals.
If you have questions or concerns at any point during your transition, our office is here to help. We want you to feel informed, comfortable, and supported every step of the way!
Why Will My Immediate Dentures Change Fit?
Following tooth extractions, your gums and underlying bone naturally change shape as they heal. Swelling gradually decreases, and the tissues and bone remodel over the following weeks and months, you can expect changes for about 6 months.
Because your immediate dentures are made before these changes occur, they will not fit exactly the same throughout the healing process. You may notice that your dentures become loose or move around more as your gums heal.
This is completely normal and why we provide adjustments and temporary soft-relines/ tissue conditioners as these changes occur to keep the dentures fitting well throughout your healing.
How Do I Care for My Immediate Dentures?
Following your dental provider and denturists instructions is especially important during the initial healing period.
- Follow the specific instructions you receive regarding when to wear and remove your dentures.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments so your provider can monitor your healing and make necessary adjustments.
- Clean your dentures as instructed and maintain good oral hygiene.
- Contact our office if your dentures cause significant discomfort, develop pressure spots, or no longer seem to fit properly.
Important: After extractions, you may be instructed to leave your dentures in place for 24hrs. This is because they act like a bandaid to help support the tissues and control bleeding. You will be provided formal detailed instructions prior to your extractions so please review and follow guidelines.