You might of heard of the term “immediate dentures” used by your dentist especially if you are looking for a way to replace missing or severely decaying teeth. As a dentist in Tigard, Oregon, I will use the term immediate, interim, or temporary denture to mean the same thing. Most dentists will use the term immediate denture. As the name implies, it is a denture that is placed in the patient’s mouth immediately upon removal of all or some teeth. It is used in this way so that the patient does not have to go without teeth. Immediate dentures can also be partials or flippers.

The most important part of an immediate denture is the preparation to make an immediate denture. This includes the evaluation of the remaining teeth, gums, palate and other anatomical features of the mouth. I recommend that a custom tray for the impression is used. This allows for proper border modeling and impression of soft tissues that can affect the fit and feel of the denture. Once a proper impression has been achieved establishing a “bite” or the way the teeth come together is very important. This is achieved using wax rims and evaluation of musculature in the face. Once a proper plane of occlusion or bite is establish, a tooth size, shape and color should be selected with help from the patient. After this appointment the dentures are tried in, where the teeth will be placed in wax as if they were the denture. This will allow for the dentist and patient to see how the teeth feel and look. This phase will also allow for adjustments and changes if necessary. If everyone is satisfied the denture can be made or processed.

Once the denture has been sent to a lab to be fabricated or processed an appointment can be made where the teeth will be removed and denture placed. It is during this appointment where the patient will receive their denture and have it adjusted slightly to allow as comfortable a fit as possible. I generally recommend that upon receiving an immediate denture that the patient try to wear it for 24 hours straight. The denture will act as a stent or band aid. It will also help the soft tissue initiate healing. When the patient wants to take the denture out for the first time I recommend that they do it in a warm shower. This way they can rinse mouth their mouth and denture out. It will most likely be a little difficult to take the denture out due to soreness from the removal of the teeth. It will also be difficult to put the denture back in because of swelling or pain in the extraction areas. I will generally try to see my immediate denture patients within 48 hours to evaluate how they are doing.

The first few weeks after having teeth extracted and the denture placed are generally the most difficult. They are also the most painful and many times patients will keep their dentures out. I generally advise them to try putting them in as much as possible, but if it is too painful they might have to wait for the healing process to take place. I recommend warm salt water rinses for the first few weeks and to keep the mouth as clean as possible. Patients will be on a soft diet like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, soups, oatmeal, protein drink, soft vegetables and fruits. Also my patients are advised to use prescribed pain medication and possibly antibiotics. They are to call the office with any concerns or if there is increased swelling or pain.

After the dentures are placed the adjustment period begins. This can and most likely will take many appointments. At each adjustment appointment the dentist will look for feedback, such as, this area is rubbing, it is too long here or the bite feels a little off here. This information will enable the dentist to adjust the denture to achieve the most comfortable fit.

After 1-2 months of healing the dentist can do a soft reline of the denture. This will add a cushion and enhance the comfort of the denture. The soft reline is not permanent and is only meant to last until a permanent or hard reline can be done, usually 6 months from the time of the extractions. Generally a hard reline will improve the fit and comfort of the denture. Dentists generally recommend having a hard reline done every 3-5 years or as needed.

Immediate dentures are a great option for people that are looking to replace missing or severely decayed teeth. It is important to gather as much information on dentures and the process for dentures before you start. If you looking for dentures please give us a call at 503-670-7088 or check us out online at http://www.tigardfamilydentist.com/