Immediate Dentures Aurora, CO
Immediate dentures, also known as temporary dentures, are prosthetic teeth that are placed right after a dentist performs a major tooth extraction. Immediate dentures provide a safe, comfortable replacement for natural teeth. Dentists use them to take the place of natural teeth that have been damaged beyond repair due to disease, decay, or injury.
We use these prosthetic teeth to improve oral motor functions such as talking and chewing and also improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile. Immediate dentures are available at Southland Smiles in Aurora and the surrounding area. Take control of your oral health today and call us at (720) 599-2961 to schedule an appointment and see if you are a candidate for immediate dentures.
How Immediate Dentures Differ From Complete Dentures
Both conventional, complete dentures, and immediate dentures are custom-made for patients using a mold of their mouth. Full dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.
While this means immediate dentures may be made ready in advance, it also means the fit may be less than ideal. The gums and jaw may change shape following extraction as they heal, which may mean that the temporary dentures will require further adjustments. Immediate dentures may also be less affordable in many cases.
“Complete dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.”
When You Should Get Immediate Dentures
A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth while waiting for permanent dentures. For example, a patient with a history of sensitive teeth may prefer to have temporary dentures following an extraction to protect the remaining teeth. The natural teeth will be subject to less pressure while eating as a result of the dentures.
However, the most common reasons for getting immediate dentures, according to the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation, are aesthetic and social. Many people prefer not to live without teeth while waiting to be ready for complete dentures or implants. Immediate dentures provide a solution to this need.
“A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth.”
Receiving Immediate Dentures
Because they require several preliminary visits, it can take up to five weeks for a dentist to complete the installation process for temporary or immediate dentures. The process will vary slightly depending upon whether the patient requires full or partial dentures. After determining which type of denture will benefit the patient, a dentist performs these steps to place immediate dentures.
- Match dentures to natural teeth: The dentist uses the existing teeth as a template for the dentures. Whether the patient is receiving complete or partial dentures, the artificial teeth are made to resemble the original teeth closely. This results in a more natural appearance.
- Extract damaged teeth: If the patient is getting complete dentures, the back teeth may be extracted several weeks before the front teeth. This gives the gums time to heal before the front teeth are extracted. If partial dentures are required, the dentist extracts only the teeth that are being replaced.
- Place immediate dentures: The dentist casts a mold of the patient’s mouth and uses it to construct the dentures. The prosthetic teeth are then secured into position inside the mouth. Once they are placed, the prosthodontist checks to ensure the dentures fit properly. Adjustments will be made as necessary.
“Because they require several preliminary visits, it can take up to five weeks for a dentist to complete the installation process for temporary or immediate dentures.”
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Immediate vs. Conventional Dentures
Immediate or temporary denture construction occurs before the extraction process begins. We do this so that we can place the immediate dentures right after extracting the patient's teeth. In contrast, conventional denture creation occurs after the extraction takes place.
Patients will have to return several weeks after their teeth extraction to receive and fit their conventional dentures. Conventional dentures often require fewer adjustments because they are fitted after the shape of the oral tissue has changed during the healing process. While immediate dentures may be less cost-efficient, they significantly speed up the recovery process and improve aesthetic appearance instantly.
“While immediate dentures may be less cost-efficient, they significantly speed up the recovery process and improve aesthetic appearance instantly.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between immediate dentures and complete dentures?
Q. Do I need immediate dentures?
Q. What is post-treatment protocol for immediate dentures?
Q. What is the process of receiving immediate dentures?
Q. What is the difference between immediate and conventional dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. What should new denture wearers expect during the first 30 days?
Q. What are the most common denture repairs?
Q. How should people take care of their dentures while traveling?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Post-Treatment Care
Upon receiving immediate dentures, there are post-treatment practices that involve both care and maintenance to keep the dentures in place and functioning properly. Immediately after treatment, dentures should be kept in the mouth for at least 24-48 hours to allow the underlying tissues to better heal into the shape of the denture. After that, dentures should be removed to clean and when sleeping.
To keep the dentures clean and well-maintained, they should be kept in a cup or container filled with clean, cold water. They can be cleaned with salt water rinses as well. Ensure that the mouth is also clean before inserting the dentures. Finally, routine dental checkups should be adhered to in order to ensure that the dentures fit well.
“Immediately after treatment, dentures should be kept in the mouth for at least 24-48 hours to allow the underlying tissues to better heal into the shape of the denture.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should temporary dentures be realigned?
A. A patient's gums shift and change shape as they heal from an extraction. This makes it difficult to keep immediate dentures secure after the healing process is complete. Dentures should be realigned several weeks after the initial installation to ensure they are secure and comfortable.
Q. Is the placement of dentures right after extraction painful?
A. Most patients feel sore after the extraction process, but the dentures should not cause significant pain. Minor soreness should be expected while adjusting to the new dentures. Over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol®, Advil®, and Motrin® can help relieve soreness.
Q. How should temporary dentures be cared for?
A. Dentures must be cleaned thoroughly every day, but toothpaste is not recommended. Mild soap and water should be used instead. When they are not being worn, keep temporary dentures in water.
Q. What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
A. The primary benefit is that they improve facial appearance. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and facial muscles to sag. Dentures remedy these problems while making it easier for patients to perform basic oral motor functions such as chewing and talking. According to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, immediate dentures also reduce the bleeding that occurs after tooth extraction and protect oral tissues as they heal.
Q. What should patients expect after receiving immediate dentures?
A. Patients can expect an improved facial appearance after receiving them, but they should also anticipate an adjustment period. Speech may be difficult at first, and gums may be sore for a few days. The dentures will also need adjustments several times within the first few weeks to ensure a comfortable fit.
Denture Terminology
Learn More About Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are a great way to avoid the physical and social discomfort of missing teeth. Our team is ready to help you determine if this is a good option for you. Call Southland Smiles at (720) 599-2961 to set up an appointment in Aurora and learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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