An immediate denture may be the best solution when complete extractions of your remaining teeth are unavoidable. An immediate denture will allow you to avoid the hardship of living without teeth. 

WHAT ARE IMMEDIATE DENTURES? 

Typically, if a patient is a good candidate for dentures, they may need a few teeth extracted to help the dentures fit better. Our dentists remove the teeth in some procedures and allow the gums to heal for a few weeks to months before placing dentures. However, many patients prefer immediate dentures to this traditional procedure because there is no time a patient spends without dentures. Your dentist places dentures directly after we extract the teeth in a quick denture procedure.  

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO GETTING IMMEDIATE DENTURES?

We will begin the preparation for this procedure before we extract your teeth. The first step is taking impressions of your existing teeth and gums to create accurate duplicates for placement after tooth removal. Your immediate dentures are inserted at your extraction appointment, creating a natural smile you can be proud of. Unlike traditional denture placement, there is no time you have to spend without dentures or teeth. 

WHAT ARE IMMEDIATE DENTURES MADE OUT OF?

Immediate dentures are made of similar materials to traditional dentures. The gum appearance of the dentures is typically made of acrylic material. This material should be wet to avoid cracking, so it is essential to place it in a glass of water when not in your mouth. The teeth portion of the dentures is usually plastic or porcelain material. Porcelain is an excellent choice for prosthetic teeth because it is stain-resistant and durable. 

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMMEDIATE DENTURES FOLLOWING EXTRACTION

It would be best if you took great care to follow all postoperative instructions. Your gums and bone will recede after extraction, and regular check-ups and maintenance will monitor healing and reduce problems. Temporary linings or tissue conditioners will be required to create an optimal fit and may need to be adjusted or replaced several times during the healing period. Your dentist will require a permanent denture to ensure a comfortable and exact fit after you have completed the healing process.

WHAT ARE SOME ADVANTAGES OF IMMEDIATE DENTURES?

One of the most significant advantages of immediate dentures for many patients is the ability to wear dentures out of the extraction appointment. Immediate dentures are a more aesthetic option because there is no period where you have no natural or prosthetic teeth. Additionally, you can start practicing talking and eating with your new dentures right away. If you have to wait after your extraction appointment to get a set of dentures, you may develop poor speaking and eating habits that need to be corrected with your new set of teeth. Lastly, wearing immediate dentures after your extraction appointment can help decrease bleeding and protect the gum tissues. 

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS FOR IMMEDIATE DENTURES

Following your immediate denture placement, it is essential to visit Boulder Dental Designs for follow-up appointments. On the extraction day, your gums will be swollen, and the dentures will feel snug. As time goes on, the gums will recede, and the dentures will feel looser. Follow-up appointments allow your dentist to adjust the dentures to ensure they fit correctly. About six to eight weeks following the extraction, your dentist may place tissue conditioner in your dentures. The tissue conditioner will help create a tighter fit between your gums and dentures. Your dentist may recommend a tissue conditioner throughout your denture process to continue the close and comfortable fit. 

Immediate dentures are a great way to help patients achieve their dream smile without waiting weeks or months for a conventional denture. Immediate dentures are placed after a tooth extraction procedure when your remaining teeth are removed for the denture to fit better. For more information about immediate dentures or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Montoya or Dr. Lai, contact our office.