An immediate denture is a complete denture or partial denture inserted on the same day, immediately following the removal of natural teeth so you will never need to appear in public without teeth thus minimizing facial distortion that may occur when teeth are removed. It is also easier to duplicate the shape, color and arrangement of your natural teeth while some are still present in your mouth. There is also an added advantage to maintain and establish your speech patterns in the early phases of treatment.
In some cases, the immediate denture will be the final denture, although in most cases it will require modification several months down the line to accommodate the changes that occur in the shape of the gums and bone during the healing process. In other cases, the dentist may decide that the best course of action would be to make the immediate denture a temporary denture, and then make the permanent denture later on after the gums and bone have fully healed.
What are the advantages of an immediate denture?
There are several advantages of an immediate denture. The most important factor is that you will never need to appear in public without teeth. It is also easier to duplicate the shape, color and arrangement of your natural teeth while some are still present in your mouth. When an immediate denture is inserted at the time of extraction, it will act as a Band-Aid to protect the tissues and reduce bleeding. An immediate denture will allow you to establish your speech patterns early. You will not have to learn to speak without a denture in place and then later relearn to speak with a new denture. An immediate denture will also allow you to chew better than without any teeth and minimize facial distortion that may occur when teeth are removed.
What are the disadvantages of an immediate denture?
The biggest disadvantage is the increased cost. Another disadvantage is that you cannot always see how the denture will look before the teeth are extracted and the immediate denture is inserted. Also, initially, an immediate denture does not always fit as accurately as a conventional denture, which is made after the tissues have healed for six to eight weeks following extractions, and without wearing a denture.
Is an immediate denture for everyone?
Not everyone is a candidate for an immediate denture. Some people may be advised against this treatment, due to general health conditions, or because of specific oral problems.
How long does it take to complete?
Four to five visits may be necessary for the fabrication phase of an immediate denture, plus any preliminary surgery. For patients requiring a complete immediate denture, the back teeth are often extracted six to eight weeks prior to the fabrication phase. This allows the extraction sites to heal and a better-fitting immediate complete denture to be fabricated.
The fabrication phase consists of impressions, bite records, tooth selection and try-in of the back teeth. On the day of delivery, you will be seen for extraction of the appropriate teeth, followed immediately by the insertion of the immediate denture.