Immediate dentures are a tooth replacement solution (for single or multiple teeth) placed immediately after tooth extraction. Designed in advance, immediate dentures provide a seamless transition, allowing patients to avoid the discomfort of being without teeth and maintain aesthetics, function, and oral health while the gums and jaw heal.
Benefits of Immediate Dentures
- Instant Tooth Replacement – No waiting period between tooth extraction and denture placement.
Aesthetic Confidence – Maintains your smile and facial appearance right after extraction.- Helps with Healing – Acts as a protective barrier, reducing bleeding and gum irritation.
- Facilitates Speaking & Eating – Allows you to continue daily activities without major disruptions.
- Prevents Shifting of Teeth – Helps maintain alignment and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting.
The Treatment Process
- Initial Consultation – Your dentist evaluates your oral health and discusses the best approach.
- Pre-Extraction Impressions – Molds of your mouth are taken before tooth extraction to ensure a custom fit.
- Tooth Extraction & Placement – The immediate dentures are placed right after tooth removal.
- Adjustments & Healing – Over time, as the gums heal and shrink, adjustments or relining may be necessary for comfort and fit.
In most cases, patients will have great success wearing their immediate dentures. However, the recovery and healing process is as individual as you. During this time, your Prosthetist will guide you through all care requirements as you adjust to your new dentures.
After tooth extractions, natural bone resorption and gum shrinkage will occur as a normal part of the healing process. Generally, around three months post-op, you will require a ‘denture reline’ to adjust the fit and stability of the denture.
A reline involves adding new material to the inner surface of the denture to enhance stability and comfort without the need for a complete replacement. Over time, the shrinkage associated with post-operative healing can cause dentures to become loose, leading to discomfort and possible movement when speaking or eating.
Are Immediate Dentures Right for You?
Immediate dentures may be the ideal solution if you require multiple extractions and want a quick tooth replacement, wish to maintain your smile and confidence without gaps, or need a temporary treatment option before transitioning to permanent (fixed) dental restorations.