Immediate Dentures

The dental industry uses the term immediate dentures in describing dentures that are customized to be placed over the oral tissues, immediately after the natural teeth are extracted. The standard denture, on the other hand, is commonly designed after the patient's gums are healed, the duration of which depends on how quickly a patient heals, which is usually less or more than three weeks. An immediate denture may be considered for those people who have reached a point where full mouth extraction is required, and waiting to heal is not applicable due the social circumstances. Immediate denture is a dental procedure completed in just one day.

Teeth which may be beyond saving are loose or painful. The usual cause of this condition is the decay or the advanced periodontal disease. Bones may be loosed due to this periodontal disease. With this disease, teeth are needed to be removed if it is not caught in time, because there is a minimal support from the gums, and replaced with a denture. This is the best way to remove the infection and restore the health of one's mouth.

The process is commenced by taking the impressions of the patient's mouth by the dentist. A precise working model of one’s mouth is made from these impressions. The next step is the selection of the best color and shape for the denture, both by the dentist and the patient. The remaining teeth will be extracted when the denture is ready, after the patient is sedated to be very relaxed. The sedative will be taken by the patient orally, one hour before the removal of his teeth. No pain should be felt during this procedure.

The denture will be placed in the patient's mouth immediately after the teeth are extracted. Denture must not be removed by the patient for the first 72 hours for it acts as a bandage and helps in the healing process. Because the denture holds everything in place, usually, there are no stitches made as this is a controlled healing. The uncontrolled healing will take place when the denture is removed and the gums swell while not healing properly. Cotton should be placed between the sore place and the denture, in case of a sore spot, and the dentist should be immediately called upon.

The gums will shrink as the mouth heals over the next four to six months. The denture will also feet loose specifically the lower part because there is less supporting bone as compared to the upper part. A denture adhesive of any type may be used when this happens during the healing process. The dentist will have the patient return for a reline appointment after his mouth's shape has stabilized subsequent to the healing period. Impressions, again, will be taken by the dentist so the patient is asked that the denture be free from any adhesives. Dentures will be removed within five to six hours. Thereafter, there will be a final fitting.

There are common temporary problems with which the patient may encounter. These are but normal part of adjustment to the new denture. By the uneven healing process, the denture may tip at first upon chewing by the patient. Some areas heal faster while other areas heal slower. An increased salivation may be noticed. The patient might also gag a little for feeling that the denture is bulky. Difficulty in speaking may also happen as the patient's tongue will feel crowded. The patient may at first feel awkward to eat with the denture, but like learning any new skill, the patient will make adjustments with time and practice.