WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IMMEDIATE DENTURES
The advantage of immediate dentures is that you can walk away with a full smile the same day, immediately following the removal of natural teeth. A set of immediate dentures may be the best solution when complete extractions of your remaining teeth are unavoidable, but it would be inconvenient for you to live without teeth while conventional dentures are created – which can take days or weeks. However, because immediate dentures are inserted right after your dental surgery, the gums and jaw will change shape as they heal so it may be necessary to have an immediate denture adjusted. Contact us today for a consultation.
WHAT ARE IMMEDIATE DENTURES?
As the name suggests, immediate dentures are dentures that are inserted into a patient’s mouth immediately after their teeth are removed. In fact, this will allow you to immediately begin learning to eat and speak with your new teeth.
IMMEDIATE DENTURES VS. REGULAR DENTURES
Regular dentures are made for a patient’s mouth from a mold after the teeth have been removed. A dentist lets the patient’s gums heal after the operation and then inserts dentures that have been molded and fit for the oral cavity. It may take some time for the dentures to be ready. Then, there is a fitting and potential adjustments, but once all details have been worked out, permanent dentures provide a long-term solution. Immediate dentures are molded to a patient’s oral cavity prior to extraction and fitted once the teeth have been pulled. The benefits of the immediate dentures procedure are that you will walk away with a full set of teeth. However, as your bones and gums heal, adjustments may be necessary. In some cases, patients must replace this set of dentures with a new set of permanent dentures after their mouth has healed completely. When considering if immediate dentures vs. regular dentures are right for you, you should discuss your needs and priorities with your dentist. For some people, having an instant perfect smile is vital, while others prefer the traditional method for cost or permanency. The professionals at Salem Dentistry will advise you of the procedure that best suits your individual needs.
THE IMMEDIATE DENTURE PROCESS
The immediate denture procedure differs from the conventional denture procedure because the dentures are created from a mold before teeth have been pulled. We will begin the preparation for this procedure before your teeth are extracted. The first step is taking impressions of your existing teeth and gums to create accurate duplicates for placement after tooth removal. At your extraction appointment, your immediate dentures are inserted creating a natural smile you can be proud of. Great care should be taken 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 a better fit and may need to be adjusted or replaced many times during the healing period. A permanent reline (or refitting) will be required to ensure a comfortable and a proper fit after you have completed the healing process.