Immediate Dentures
You’ve been advised that you need an immediate denture, but what is it and how is it done? This information will help to explain the concepts and answer questions you might have regarding this type of denture. Your Denturist can guide you as to when the situation warrants immediate dentures.
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You may have decided to have some or all of your remaining teeth extracted or your Dentist may have advised you that you should consider having extractions. You may have been given a treatment option of having an immediate denture placed at time of the extraction(s).
We will help guide you on whether an immediate denture is for you.
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Prior to extractions, your Denturist will take impressions and specific measurements of your teeth. I will help you determine the size, shape and colour (shade) of the teeth to be used (as well as other esthetic considerations) for your new dentures.
The finished immediate denture (also known as an immediate placement denture) is inserted immediately after your tooth or teeth have been extracted, usually while your mouth is still frozen with local anesthetic.
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An immediate denture is an excellent alternative to being without your teeth because your smile is restored directly after your extraction(s). An immediate denture will also protect the sensitive gum tissue at the extraction site(s). The denture acts as a bandage to:
Control swelling and allow the healing to progress
Help keep the gums/tissue free of debris (food impaction) that can cause irritation
Prevent dislodging of extraction site(s) blood clots that are necessary for healing
During the healing process after extractions, the presence of an immediate denture can also help make the transition from eating soft foods to a wider variety of food easier and faster. However, the ability to eat a wide variety of textures does take time, and the rate at which extraction sites heal varies with every individual. The results and length of healing time may vary considerably (from a few weeks to several months) due to many factors. Some of these factors are: your general health (e.g. diabetes, immune system diseases), nutrition, age, and the condition of your teeth and oral tissues prior to extractions.
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Prior to your extraction appointment your Denturist will need to take impressions of your mouth while your natural tooth/teeth are still present. Other procedures and measurements will be taken to record critical information required to make your denture. Your Denturist will follow the precise and detailed procedures necessary to fabricate your new denture. Your immediate denture can be made in the likeness of your natural teeth, or changes can be made to your smile at your request. When denture fabrication is completed, your Dentist or Oral Surgeon will remove the teeth that are scheduled for extraction.
Once your natural teeth are removed, your denture will be inserted. The timing for the insertion of your immediate denture has been pre-arranged between your Dentist and Denturist and is intended to make you as comfortable as possible, often when your mouth is still frozen with local anesthetic. As healing occurs, follow up visits are required with your Denturist to assess your oral condition and provide any necessary adjustments.
Generally, the gum tissue (soft tissue) takes a minimum of eight to twelve weeks to heal after extractions. It may be necessary for your Denturist to place a temporary soft lining material on the fitting surface of your denture to improve fit and minimize soreness. This may be repeated as your gums and bone continue to shrink. This may take twelve to twenty-four months after extractions. Your Denturist will review the treatment plan in place for you, once you have reached a stage of healing that may require a permanent fitting procedure. This may involve: a permanent reline, rebasing, or the fabrication of a new permanent denture. Costs for these treatment options are usually not included in your initial fee and should be discussed with your Denturist.
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A great deal of time and care is spent in the fabrication of your new denture. When wearing a denture for the first time, there will be a lengthy adjustment period. The transition from having natural teeth to wearing a denture may not be easy. It is life changing. Perseverance and patience are the keys to success, and your effort will determine how quickly and how well you will adjust to your immediate denture.
It is important for you to learn how to eat and talk while wearing your denture. Remember, millions of people wear dentures successfully and with time you will too!
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Like most things, a denture does not last forever. A check up once a year is recommended. On average, a permanent reline is recommended every two years to keep it fitting properly. A denture is commonly replaced approximately every 5-7 years. Check with your insurance provider on the frequency your plan allows for relines and a replacement denture.