Immediate Dentures Rebuild Your Oral Function and Aesthetics After Tooth Extraction
An immediate denture is a removable dental appliance placed on the same day the dentist extracts your teeth. An immediate denture in Everett or Redmond, Washington, provides immediate function and aesthetics after tooth extraction, eliminating the 3-6 month waiting period for gum healing.
Getting immediate dentures from Eckland Family Dental is ideal if you can’t avoid extracting your teeth and don’t want to spend months with an edentulous smile.
What is the process of placing an immediate denture?
Restoring your smile with immediate dentures may differ from one person to another, but it’s often completed in two stages.
Stage one
- The dentist will remove the molars (back teeth) and allow you to heal for about 5-6 weeks.
- Once your molars heal, your dentist will prepare your immediate dentures based on digital impressions of your existing teeth and jaw.
- Your dentist will pull out the remaining teeth and place your immediate denture. Immediate dentures restore function and work like a temporary bandage, holding tissues together and protecting them as they heal.
- For the first night, you’ll sleep with your dentures on. This allows the underlying tissues to heal and form the shape of the denture, facilitating better stability. You should only remove your denture for about 20 minutes if you experience uncontrolled bleeding.
- As your gingival tissues heal and shrink, your immediate dentures lose their grip. We’ll place provisional liners to secure your denture as the gums heal.
Stage two
- Once your gums heal, your doctor will design a more refined denture to replace your immediate denture. This denture-fabrication phase starts without your natural teeth and extractions. Your new denture will take account of all the changes in your healed anatomy to ensure an optimal fit.
- After six months, your new dentures will need relining to compensate for jaw shrinkage. Other than this, they provide an optimal fit, enhanced comfort, and better aesthetics—almost like natural teeth.
Not everyone is suitable for immediate dentures. Some patients aren’t ideal for this treatment because of their general health condition or specific oral problems like severe gum disease or bone loss. Schedule an appointment with a trained dentist to determine your eligibility for immediate dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immediate Dentures
How long do immediate dentures last?
Immediate dentures typically last 6 to 12 months before a permanent set is needed. This is because, after tooth extraction, the gums and jawbone undergo a natural shrinkage process as they heal. Over time, this shrinkage affects the fit of your immediate dentures, making them loose and requiring adjustments or relining. After complete healing, your dentist will fit you with a more permanent denture that offers greater stability and comfort.
Will I need adjustments for my immediate dentures?
Yes, it is common to need adjustments for your immediate dentures. As your gums heal, they shrink, which can cause your dentures to become loose or uncomfortable. Regular follow-up visits with your dentist will allow for necessary modifications, such as relining or temporary liners, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Over time, as your mouth fully heals, a new permanent denture may be recommended for long-term functionality and comfort.
Can I eat normally with immediate dentures?
Eating with immediate dentures requires some adjustment. Initially, you should stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups to avoid putting too much pressure on your healing gums. You can gradually reintroduce firmer foods as you become accustomed to your dentures. Cutting food into smaller pieces and chewing slowly with both sides of your mouth can help with stability. Most patients can return to a relatively normal diet with practice and time, though extremely hard or sticky foods should be avoided.
Do immediate dentures look natural?
Yes, immediate dentures are designed to resemble natural teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing smile immediately after extractions. Your dentist will customize the dentures’ shape, size, and color to match your natural teeth as closely as possible. While immediate dentures offer a quick solution to tooth loss, they may require some refinements once your gums heal to achieve an optimal, long-term fit and appearance.
How do I care for my immediate dentures?
Proper care of immediate dentures is essential to maintaining their function and longevity. Clean them daily using a soft denture brush and a mild denture cleaner to remove food particles and bacteria. Regular toothpaste can be too harsh, so stay away from it. To keep your dentures clean and fresh, soak them in a specific denture cleaning solution for the entire night. Also, clean your gums and remaining natural teeth to maintain oral hygiene.
Are immediate dentures painful?
Some discomfort and soreness are expected initially as your gums heal and adjust to the new dentures. Over-the-counter pain relievers and saltwater rinses can help ease any discomfort. If the pain persists or the dentures cause sore spots, visit your dentist for adjustments. Any initial discomfort will subside as your mouth adapts, and the dentures will feel more natural over time.
Can I sleep with my immediate dentures in?
For the first night after getting your immediate dentures, your dentist will likely recommend wearing them while you sleep to aid in tissue healing and provide support. However, after the initial period, removing your dentures at night is advisable to allow your gums to rest and prevent potential infections. Storing them in water or a denture solution overnight will keep them from drying out and losing their shape.
Same-day dentures near me
Immediate dentures allow you to avoid the embarrassment of missing teeth as your gums heal from extractions. If you'd like to get immediate dentures in Everett or Redmond, WA, schedule an appointment with Eckland Family Dental by calling our Redmond office at (425) 448-6339 or our Everett office at (425) 249-3830.
