Immediate DenturesLos Angeles, CA

When to Get Immediate Dentures

Not only do missing teeth make chewing and speech difficult for some persons, but they can also cause facial muscles to sag. Since this can drastically alter the appearance of the face, it is important to get dentures placed quickly when one or more teeth are missing. Immediate dentures are a temporary solution for missing teeth after tooth extraction.

Patients who get immediate dentures can leave their dental appointment with their smile intact, which is beneficial for their confidence and oral health. This simple and effective solution protects the patient's tissue and extraction sites to reduce bleeding and injury. Immediate dentures can also ensure that the surrounding teeth do not shift.

Receiving Immediate Dentures

Because they require several preliminary visits, it can take up to five weeks for a dentist to complete the installation process for temporary or immediate dentures. The process will vary slightly depending upon whether the patient requires full or partial dentures. After determining which type of denture will benefit the patient, a dentist performs these steps to place immediate dentures.

1. Match dentures to natural teeth: The dentist uses the existing teeth as a template for the dentures. Whether the patient is receiving complete or partial dentures, the artificial teeth are made to resemble the original teeth closely. This results in a more natural appearance.
2. Extract damaged teeth: If the patient is getting complete dentures, the back teeth may be extracted several weeks before the front teeth. This gives the gums time to heal before the front teeth are extracted. If partial dentures are required, the dentist extracts only the teeth that are being replaced.
3. Place immediate dentures: The dentist casts a mold of the patient's mouth and uses it to construct the dentures. The prosthetic teeth are then secured into position inside the mouth. Once they are placed, the prosthodontist checks to ensure the dentures fit properly. Adjustments will be made as necessary.

Immediate vs. Conventional Dentures

Immediate or temporary denture construction occurs before the extraction process begins. We do this so that we can place the immediate dentures right after extracting the patient's teeth. In contrast, conventional denture creation occurs after the extraction takes place.

Patients will have to return several weeks after their teeth extraction to receive and fit their conventional dentures. Conventional dentures often require fewer adjustments because they are fitted after the shape of the oral tissue has changed during the healing process. While immediate dentures may be less cost-efficient, they significantly speed up the recovery process and improve aesthetic appearance instantly.

What to Expect After Receiving Immediate Dentures

After receiving immediate dentures, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling. Pressing an ice pack against the face and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate discomfort. Patients should restrict their diet to liquids and soft foods for the first day after receiving their dentures. It is also normal for a patient's bite to be imperfect until the swelling has disappeared in about four to seven days.

After the first 24 hours of wearing immediate dentures, patients can remove their appliance to clean after meals and at night. While immediate dentures allow people to smile with confidence, they are not as precise as conventional dentures. Since it is more difficult to perfect the bite with immediate dentures, relining or remaking the dentures may be necessary.