Immediate Dentures
Transition Into Your New Smile With Immediate Dentures
If you need to have your remaining natural teeth removed, immediate dentures can help you avoid going without teeth during the healing process. Your dentures are prepared before your extraction appointment and are typically inserted by your dentist immediately after your teeth are removed.
At Atrium Denture Clinic, Michael Watson DD works with you and coordinates with your dentist to prepare your immediate dentures before extraction. Following insertion, we continue to support you with adjustments and ongoing denture care as your mouth heals and changes.
How Immediate Dentures Work
Your Denture Treatment Begins Before Extraction
Immediate denture treatment begins at Atrium Denture Clinic before your natural teeth are removed. Impressions and measurements are taken so your dentures can be fabricated in advance. Atrium then coordinates with your dentist regarding the extraction and insertion process.
On the day of your extraction appointment, your dentist removes the necessary teeth and typically inserts your immediate dentures. In addition to restoring your smile, the dentures initially act much like a protective bandage over the extraction sites, helping to control swelling and bleeding.
The Immediate Denture Process
What to Expect
- 1
Consultation & Planning
Your treatment begins with an assessment at Atrium Denture Clinic. Michael will discuss your needs, explain the immediate denture process and coordinate treatment requirements with your dentist.
- 2
Impressions & Measurements
Before your teeth are extracted, impressions and measurements are taken so your immediate dentures can be prepared in advance.
- 3
Extraction & Insertion
Your dentist performs the extractions and typically places the immediate dentures during the same appointment.
- 4
Follow-Up & Adjustments
You will return to Atrium within several days so your dentures, fit and comfort can be assessed. Adjustments can be made as your mouth begins healing.
Healing & Adjustment
Your Mouth Will Change During Healing
Your gums and supporting bone undergo significant changes following tooth extraction. Swelling commonly reaches its peak within the first two to three days, and sore spots, changes in saliva, altered speech and difficulty eating are all possible during the initial adjustment period.
As swelling decreases and the gums and bone continue to heal, your immediate dentures will gradually become looser because the denture itself does not change shape with your mouth. Temporary liners, adjustments and eventually a permanent reline may be required to maintain an appropriate fit.
Your First Days With Immediate Dentures
Supporting a Comfortable Recovery
During the first 24 to 48 hours, your dentist's post-extraction instructions should always take priority. Atrium's patient care information recommends keeping the immediate dentures in your mouth as much as possible during this initial period. Removing them for more than approximately 15 minutes may make reinsertion difficult because of swelling.
You will also need to modify how and what you eat while your mouth heals. Begin with foods that require little or no chewing, then gradually progress to a soft diet as your comfort improves. Avoid hot foods or drinks while your mouth is numb, and follow any medication or post-surgical instructions provided by your dentist.
Appearance
Planning Your Smile Before Your Teeth Are Removed
Immediate dentures present a unique aesthetic challenge because the remaining natural teeth are still present when the new denture is fabricated. This means a traditional tooth try-in is usually not possible before extraction.
Michael uses his experience and artistic background to create a natural-looking result within the anatomical limitations of the treatment. Tooth size, position and lip support are considered carefully, but patients should understand that immediate dentures may require further refinement as the mouth heals and a more permanent treatment stage is reached.
Long-Term Treatment
What Happens After Your Mouth Heals?
Immediate dentures are part of a treatment process rather than the end of it. Bone and gum tissue continue to shrink and reshape after extractions, causing the denture fit and bite to change over time.
Atrium's patient information notes that the mouth generally becomes more stable at approximately six months. At that point, a permanent reline and bite adjustment may be recommended. If your immediate dentures were intended as a temporary solution, this may instead be the time to begin creating your permanent dentures. These additional treatments are separate from the original immediate denture fee.
Will I have to go without teeth after my extractions?
Immediate dentures are typically inserted by your dentist on the same day your teeth are extracted, allowing you to leave with your denture in place.
Will my immediate dentures fit differently as I heal?
Yes. Your gums and supporting bone change significantly following extraction. As swelling decreases and healing progresses, spaces can develop beneath the denture and affect its fit. Adjustments, temporary liners or a permanent reline may eventually be required.
Can I see what my immediate dentures will look like before my teeth are extracted?
Usually, a traditional try-in is not possible because your natural teeth are still present. Michael uses the available information, measurements and his experience to design the new smile within the limitations of immediate denture treatment.
When can I start eating normally?
You should initially choose foods that require little or no chewing and gradually progress toward a soft diet as healing and comfort allow. Always follow the post-extraction instructions provided by your dentist.
Will I need another denture after my mouth heals?
Not necessarily. Depending on your treatment plan, your immediate denture may be permanently relined and adjusted once healing stabilizes, or it may serve as a temporary denture before a new permanent denture is created.
Book Your FREE Consultation
Plan Ahead for Your Tooth Extraction
If you know you will need teeth removed, it is important to begin the immediate denture process before your extraction appointment. Atrium Denture Clinic can assess your needs, explain the process and coordinate the denture portion of your treatment with your dentist.
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