What are immediate (also called temporary) dentures?
Immediate dentures are dentures placed in your mouth on the same day that your dentist extracts your teeth. You’ll wear these for the first several months after extraction. This way, you’ll have teeth while awaiting the arrival of your permanent dentures.
Immediate dentures also protect your gum tissue as your mouth heals from the extraction.
What are the pros and cons of immediate dentures?
Pros of immediate dentures – They immediately fill gaps in your mouth after a tooth extraction, or after a full-mouth extraction. They protect your gums during the healing process, and help to minimize gum bleeding. You receive immediate dentures on the same day as your extraction.
Cons of immediate dentures They aren’t custom-made to your mouth, so the fit isn’t as ideal as permanent dentures, and they may slip or move a bit. You may need to have your immediate dentures periodically adjusted or relined for comfort.
What’s the procedure for getting immediate (temporary) dentures?
During your initial appointment, your dentist will measure your upper and lower jaw, and note the shape and color of your natural teeth.
When your immediate partial denture is ready, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have your teeth extracted and your immediate denture placed and fitted
Time frame and process for complete dentures
- If all your teeth are to be extracted, you’ll need a complete denture. The extraction area will then be allowed to heal for approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
- After the area has healed, your dentist will make an impression of your mouth and order an immediate denture from that impression.
- When your immediate dentures arrive, you’ll then schedule an appointment to have your remaining anterior (front) teeth extracted. After the extraction, your dentist will place your immediate dentures in your mouth and adjust them to fit.
- You’ll need to wear your immediate dentures for about 24 hours after surgery before removing them. Be prepared to have regular follow up visits with your dentist to refit your immediate dentures. Their fit can change as your mouth heals
Time frame and process for permanent dentures
You’ll need to give your mouth time to heal before your dentist can start the process of fabricating your permanent dentures. Healing time can take between 3 to 6 months.After your mouth has fully healed, your dentist will take several bite impressions of your jaw and mouth. The dentist will use these impressions to create a denture that’s custom-molded to the exact shape of your mouth, for a more precise fit
How much do immediate (temporary) dentures cost?
Immediate dentures are comparable in price to permanent dentures. However, it’s worth noting that the cost really depends on where you live and the type of materials used.
Be sure to talk with your dentist about your options at your initial appointment. Ask to see before and after pictures of their work.
In addition, you can ask friends and family for recommendations, and read online patient reviews. It’s important to choose a dentist who has extensive experience working with denture patients.
To clean your temporary dentures:
- Hold them over a towel or basin half filled with water to avoid breaking them.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, denture cleanser, and water to clean them.
- Soak your dentures overnight in water or cleaning solution.
