If you are looking to have immediate dentures fitted, contact us today to book a consultation in one of our many Sydney based locations.
We are the denture experts, and can help explain the differences between denture types and recommend the best denture solution for you based on your needs and budget.
Please read on for more information or contact us more a complimentary consultation.
What are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after having teeth extracted. This requires planning in advance. Generally, impressions are taken prior to the teeth being pulled and a shade, size, and shape of the teeth are selected. An immediate denture may either be a full denture or a partial denture. The denture is manufactured and you will take it with you to your extraction appointment where is will be placed in your mouth immediately following your extractions.
Because your gums and tissues need time to heal in order to properly fit new dentures, there is a time frame where you will be missing teeth – which is unideal both aesthetically and the fact you are missing out on the opportunity to become accustomed to the feel and function of dentures before your conventional ones are added.
How do immediate dentures differ from other dentures?
As far as materials go, immediate dentures don’t have any significant differences to other types of dentures. The main difference would be in the design process stage.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of an immediate denture?
The biggest advantage is that the patient does not need to go without teeth while the denture is being made and the denture may act as a band-aid to minimise swelling and control bleeding. These dentures will have to be re-adjusted once your mouth heals. In the meantime, immediate dentures can help you eat and speak while your gums are healing.
The disadvantage is that the denture cannot be tried in in advance. The inside of the immediate denture is an estimate of what the bone might look like after the teeth are removed. After the bone heals the immediate denture will usually need to be relined (have acrylic added to it).
What are the steps of making an immediate denture?
The immediate denture procedure is fairly straightforward. Initially, an impression is taken of your upper and lower teeth, also a bite registration is taken to obtain a proper vertical dimension (a way of telling how open or closed you will ultimately be once the denture is placed). The denture is then processed and will be ready for you to take with you to your extraction appointment.
Do immediate dentures hurt?
There may be some discomfort following the extractions, but nothing too painful. The denture will act as a band-aid for the extraction sites.
How common are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are a common type of denture, because the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.
How can I reduce complications after getting immediate dentures?
It is usually a good idea to wear the dentures for 48 hours straight after getting them. This can help stop bleeding and promote healing. You will be rebooked a few days after the dentures are placed for adjustments. You may also require a reline following healing. Cold, soft foods will be easier to manage initially and help decrease future swelling. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Several times a day, until healed, place a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water (not hot), remove denture, and rinse mouth gently.
How long are immediate dentures effective?
Immediate dentures often need to be relined because they get loose as the bone heals after teeth are removed. A relined immediate denture can be used for many years. Even if you do not have immediate dentures, every few years you will usually require a reline as your mouth and bone change.
How do I take care of immediate dentures?
You will take care of immediate dentures as you would any denture. We recommend that you take your dentures out at night and place them in water to prevent them from drying out. It also provides your mouth with a rest from the dentures and allows the tissue to breathe.
You should clean your dentures after every meal, or at least before bed. Fill a sink with water or clean them over a towel (in case you drop the denture) and clean your dentures with a soft bristle toothbrush and a dish washing liquid, like morning fresh. Do not use toothpaste as it is too abrasive to the acrylic. Remember that dentures are fragile so try not to drop or bend them.
How long will it take to get used to wearing immediate dentures?
It will take some time to adjust to your new dentures, similar to adjusting to a new pair of shoes. Eating and speaking will be a little of a challenge at first, but with time you will learn how to use the dentures. Everyone is different and it may take some long to adjust then others, but eventually adaption will occur. To get used to them, you must wear them! It doesn’t help if you continue to take them out. You need to give yourself at least 2 weeks until they settle in.
