Healing dentures, also known as immediate or temporary dentures, are prosthetic devices placed in the mouth on the same day that natural teeth are extracted. They prevent a period without teeth after extractions. These dentures are an interim measure during the initial healing phase after extractions. They are a pre-fabricated solution, distinct from the custom-fitted permanent dentures that are made after the mouth has fully healed.
Understanding Their Purpose
Healing dentures offer several benefits during the post-extraction period, by protecting extraction sites. They function as a protective barrier, helping reduce bleeding and minimize irritation to the gums. This immediate placement also helps in the prevention of certain complications, contributing to a more favorable environment for tissue recovery.
These temporary prosthetics also maintain the patient’s appearance, preventing a period without teeth. This can be particularly helpful for preserving a person’s facial structure, as they prevent the cheeks and lips from collapsing inward. Additionally, healing dentures allow for continued function, aiding in both speech and eating during the recovery phase.
Beyond functionality, healing dentures prepare the mouth for a long-term solution. Although the mouth will undergo changes as it heals, these dentures help guide the reshaping of gum tissue and underlying bone. This gradual adaptation contributes to a smoother transition to permanent dentures once the oral structures have stabilized.
The Process and Patient Experience
The journey to receiving healing dentures begins with initial consultations and impressions taken while the natural teeth are still present. These measurements allow for the pre-fabrication of the dentures for immediate placement. On the day of the procedure, after the necessary teeth are extracted, the healing dentures are inserted right away.
Patients are instructed to wear the dentures continuously for the first 24 hours, as this helps control bleeding and reduces initial swelling, acting like a bandage. After this initial period, the dentures can be removed for cleaning, though it is advised to wear them as much as possible for the first week or two. During the initial days and weeks, patients may experience some discomfort, including soreness, increased saliva production, and challenges with speech and eating.
Adjusting to eating with new dentures requires patience, starting with a diet of soft foods cut into small pieces. As the gums heal and shrink, the fit of the dentures will change, making frequent adjustments and relining necessary. Regular follow-up appointments with a dental professional are important to ensure the dentures remain as comfortable and functional as possible during this healing phase.
Moving Towards Permanent Dentures
Healing dentures are a temporary measure. They are used until gums and underlying bone have fully healed and stabilized. The healing process for gum tissue progresses within 3-4 weeks, but the underlying jawbone can take several months to fully remodel and stabilize, around 6-8 months.
Once the mouth has reached this stable state, the transition to permanent, custom-fitted dentures can begin. This involves taking new impressions of the healed oral tissues to create dentures that offer a more precise and comfortable fit. Permanent dentures are tailored to the exact contours of the mouth after all changes from extraction and healing have occurred.
The shift from healing dentures to permanent ones is a natural progression, ensuring a solution that is durable and optimally fitted for long-term wear. Healing dentures serve as a bridge, allowing individuals to maintain their oral function and appearance during a significant period of recovery, ultimately leading to a more stable and lasting prosthetic.