What are the pros and cons of immediate dentures?

Immediate dentures , also known as temporary dentures or same-day dentures, are prosthetic dental appliances that are placed immediately after the extraction of natural teeth. While the gums are healing and the permanent dentures are being fabricated, immediate dentures are used to restore aesthetics and functionality to the smile. It serves as a temporary solution to replace missing teeth during the healing period. They are made in advance based on pre-extraction impressions and measurements. Immediate denture steps depend on your individual situation and the condition of your oral health. The immediate denture process involves:

• Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a dentist or prosthodontist who specializes in dentures. During the initial appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. They will also discuss your expectations and the options available to you.
• Treatment Plan: Based on the examination and your specific needs, the dentist will create a treatment plan tailored to you. This plan will outline the steps involved in getting your immediate dentures.
• Impressions: The next step is to take impressions of your mouth. This involves using a soft material that will create a mold of your gums and any remaining teeth. The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the immediate dentures will be custom-made.
• Tooth Extraction: If you have any remaining natural teeth that need to be removed before placing the immediate dentures, the dentist will schedule a tooth extraction appointment. This step ensures that the dentures can fit properly and comfortably in your mouth.
• Immediate Denture Placement: On the day of your extractions, the dentist will insert the immediate dentures immediately after the teeth are removed. These dentures are pre-made to fit your mouth based on the impressions taken earlier. They are placed in your mouth right after the extraction, providing you with a set of teeth to use during the healing process.
• Post-Placement Adjustments: Immediate dentures may require adjustments after placement. As your gums heal and change shape, the dentures may feel loose or uncomfortable. You will need to visit your dentist regularly for follow-up appointments, where they can make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit.
• Healing Process: It’s important to follow proper oral hygiene practices during the healing process. Your dentist will provide instructions on how to care for your immediate dentures and maintain good oral health. It may take some time for your gums to heal completely and for you to become comfortable with wearing the dentures.
• Final Dentures: After your gums have fully healed, your dentist will create a set of final dentures. These dentures will be more customized to fit your mouth and may provide a better fit and improved aesthetics compared to the immediate dentures. The final dentures are typically made once the extraction sites have healed and stabilized. 

Immediate dentures have both pros and cons. Here are some of them:

Pros of immediate dentures

Some pros of immediate dentures  are: 

• Aesthetic improvement: It can provide an immediate improvement in your smile and facial appearance. They can help you maintain your confidence and self-esteem by preventing the embarrassment of being without teeth during the healing period.
• Functional replacement: Immediate dentures allow you to maintain some level of functionality and the ability to chew and speak during the healing process. While there may be an adjustment period, you can still eat and speak with the dentures in place.
• Protection and support for healing tissues: Immediate dentures act as a protective layer for the extraction sites and gums, reducing the risk of infection and providing support to the healing tissues. They can help minimize postoperative complications.
• Early adaptation and muscle memory: Wearing immediate dentures allows you to adapt to wearing dentures earlier, helping your oral muscles and tissues adjust to the presence of dentures. This can make the transition to final dentures smoother and more comfortable.

Cons of immediate dentures

Some cons of immediate dentures are: 

• Immediate fit limitations: Immediate dentures are fabricated based on pre-extraction impressions and measurements, which means they may not fit as precisely as final dentures. They may require more adjustment and relining to achieve an optimal fit as your gums heal and change shape.
• Discomfort and soreness: The initial healing period after extractions can cause discomfort, soreness, and swelling. Wearing immediate dentures during this time can exacerbate these sensations and may require adjustments to alleviate discomfort.
• Additional costs: While immediate dentures can be convenient, they often involve additional costs compared to traditional dentures. This includes the fabrication of both immediate and final dentures, as well as potential adjustments and relining procedures.
• Regular adjustments and follow-up visits: Immediate dentures require frequent follow-up visits to the dentist for adjustments and modifications. This is necessary to ensure a proper fit as your gums heal and change shape. The additional time and effort needed for adjustment may be inconvenient for some individuals.

How long do immediate dentures last?

Immediate dentures are a temporary solution while your gums heal and adjust after tooth extraction. The lifespan of immediate dentures can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the dentures, how well they are cared for, changes in your oral tissues, and any underlying oral health issues. It may last anywhere from six months to a few years. During this time, your gums will undergo significant changes as they heal and reshape. With proper immediate denture aftercare, it will become more comfortable over time. Once the gums are fully healed and stabilized, the dentist will create a new set of permanent dentures, which are made to fit your mouth more precisely and are expected to have a longer lifespan compared to immediate dentures.