Immediate dentures are prosthetic teeth placed in the mouth immediately following tooth extraction. They serve as a temporary solution, ensuring individuals do not have to go without teeth during the healing period. These dentures maintain both the appearance of a smile and the function of the mouth while the tissues recover.
The Critical Initial Hours
Following tooth extraction, the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial for the healing process when wearing immediate dentures. Dentists typically instruct patients to wear these dentures continuously during this initial period. This continuous wear helps the immediate denture act as a protective barrier, similar to a bandage, over the extraction sites.
The pressure from the denture helps control bleeding by promoting clot formation and can minimize swelling in the soft tissues. Removing the dentures too soon can lead to increased swelling, making it difficult to reinsert them afterwards. Protecting these surgical sites also prevents food particles from entering the sockets, which could lead to discomfort or delayed healing. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for this important phase.
The Healing and Adjustment Period
Immediate dentures are generally worn for several months while the mouth undergoes healing and reshaping. This period allows the gums and underlying bone to recover from the extractions. While a typical range is three to six months, the exact duration can vary widely among individuals, sometimes extending up to a year or even eighteen months. Factors such as overall health and the number of teeth extracted influence the speed of healing.
As the extraction sites heal, the jawbone naturally undergoes a process called bone resorption, where bone tissue is gradually reabsorbed by the body. This process, coupled with gum shrinkage, causes the oral tissues to change shape and volume. Consequently, immediate dentures will become loose over time and require multiple adjustments and relines to maintain a comfortable and functional fit. These adjustments, which may involve adding material to the denture’s interior, are a normal part of the healing journey, often necessitating several follow-up appointments with your dental professional.
Maintaining Your Immediate Dentures
Proper daily care of immediate dentures is important throughout the period they are worn. Cleaning the dentures regularly helps prevent the buildup of food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of complications. This typically involves gently brushing the dentures with a denture brush, soft-bristled toothbrush, or a mild cleanser. Avoiding abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals is recommended, as these can damage the denture material.
Rinse your dentures after meals to remove debris. Some professionals suggest soaking dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution or water to keep them moist and clean. Beyond denture care, maintaining oral hygiene is also important; this includes gently cleaning your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth as instructed by your dentist. Following your dentist’s specific recommendations for cleaning and handling is advised.
Moving Towards Permanent Dentures
Immediate dentures are a temporary measure, serving a bridge function during the initial healing phase after tooth removal. They are not intended as a long-term solution for tooth replacement. The transition to permanent dentures marks the completion of the healing process.
Once the gums and bone have fully stabilized, which typically takes several months, your dentist will begin fabricating your permanent dentures. These long-term prosthetics are custom-made from new impressions of your healed mouth, allowing for a more precise and stable fit than immediate dentures. Permanent dentures offer enhanced comfort and a more natural feel, as they are designed to conform to the contours of your mouth after all tissue changes have occurred. While immediate dentures provide immediate aesthetics and function, permanent dentures offer durability and a superior fit for ongoing daily use.