Immediate Dentures

When complete extractions of your remaining teeth become unavoidable, an immediate denture is a solution. This process will help you avoid the embarrassment of being without teeth. The denturist initiates this procedure before your teeth are extracted.

An impression is made of your existing teeth and gums prior to the extraction surgery and is used as working models for the construction of your new dentures. From your models the denturist is able to copy and construct a denture, duplicating your original teeth with improvements to your appearance, if you so wish. At your extraction appointment with your dentist or oral surgeon, your immediate dentures are inserted, allowing you to avoid having no teeth during your healing period.

In most instances, there is no way to try in the denture to check the esthetics or to ensure the correct bite position. Depending on the number of teeth being extracted, a person can see an extreme amount of change in their mouth following extractions. An immediate denture will require temporary soft relines (called tissue conditioners) as the gums change and eventually a refitting called rebase after the tooth sockets have healed and the shrinkage of the bone has stabilized.

In many cases an immediate denture can be what we call a “transitional denture”, meaning it is constructed to use for a short period of time (three months to one year) until a more permanent denture can be made.

Post Immediate Dentures

If a patient is willing and able to go a short time without teeth, a post immediate denture can be a better, and more cost effective option. The teeth are extracted and then the patient waits a couple of weeks for the gums to heal before the denture is made. While it is an inconvenience to go without teeth, there are many benefits with this option. You get to see your dentures before they are finished at a try-in appointment, the denturist can verify that the teeth are closing in the correct position (this can often shift after teeth are extracted), you get to approve the aesthetics and suggest any modifications you’d like to see. Most people can delay incurring the cost of a reline for longer if they choose this option.