Immediate Dentures

Yes, this is possible with what’s called an immediate denture. These dentures are made in advance and placed in your mouth right after your teeth are extracted—so you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. Keep in mind that as your gums heal and change shape, follow-up adjustments or a new denture may be needed to ensure a proper fit.

Immediate dentures provide several significant benefits, including:

• Facilitated eating – After removing your teeth, you can continue eating more comfortably.
• Reduced swelling – They can help minimize post-extraction swelling.
• Protection for extraction sites – Dentures act as a barrier, helping shield healing areas.
• No time without teeth – You won’t have to go through an awkward or uncomfortable period without teeth.
• Restored appearance – Immediate dentures restore your smile and facial aesthetics immediately.
• Boost in confidence – They help maintain your self-esteem during healing.
• Public comfort – You can go about your daily life without worrying about missing teeth.
• Prevention of food particles from entering the extraction sites 

• They do not fit as well as permanent/final dentures.
• More prone to sore spots and will need adjustment and temporary liners for improved comfort and function.
• The cosmetic may not be ideal. The size and shape of your remaining gums can restrict how natural the denture looks. As your gums shrink over time, we gain more space to create a more cosmetic final denture.
• You may need multiple adjustment appointments while your gums heal. It will require some patience as it is not a one-and-done process.

Please remember that we want you to be as comfortable as possible and make the transition to dentures as smooth as possible.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your needs and preferences.

Choosing an immediate denture means you’ll leave with teeth the same day your natural teeth are removed. This is an excellent option to maintain your appearance and avoid going without teeth during healing. However, because your gums and bone will change as they heal, the denture will likely need adjustments, temporary liners or reline, and eventually a replacement with a final denture.

Waiting for a final denture gives your mouth time to fully heal before impressions are taken. This often results in a better long-term fit and may reduce the need for early adjustments. The trade-off is that you may need to go without teeth for a period of time while healing.

Patients often start with an immediate denture and transition to a final one once healing is complete. We’re here to help guide you through whichever option works best for your comfort, confidence, and lifestyle.

You’re not alone—many people share this concern, and the good news is, you have options:

• Immediate denture: A denture can be made before your teeth are extracted. It’s placed immediately after extraction so that you can leave the dental office with teeth the same day. This is a popular option for both cosmetic and functional reasons.
• Healing before dentures: You can let the extraction sites heal naturally for about three months (healing time varies by individual and how many teeth were extracted at once). Once healed, a denture can be made for a more precise and long-term fit. The downside is that you’ll be without teeth during this period unless a temporary solution is arranged.
• Implant-supported option: Depending on your case, your dentist may recommend dental implants to support a denture or fixed prosthetic. This is a longer-term solution and may involve a staged treatment plan. Be sure to consult your dentist to see if implants are a suitable option for you.

Yes, adjustments are an expected part of the healing process with immediate dentures.

After your teeth are extracted, your gums and jaw will gradually shrink and change shape as part of the healing process. This can affect how your denture fits over time. 

To maintain comfort and function, you may need:

• Regular adjustments to relieve sore spots and improve fit
• Temporary liners (Tissue Conditioner) during the healing phase
• A permanent reline or a new denture once healing is complete 

Please note: Relines and new dentures are not included in the cost of the initial immediate denture treatment plan. These follow-up services are part of the longer-term care process and will be discussed with you as healing progresses.

Healing times can vary depending on the number of teeth extracted, your overall health, and how well you care for the extraction sites. 

The gums usually begin to heal within 1 to 2 weeks, with most discomfort and swelling subsiding during this time. However, the jawbone and gums continue to remodel and shrink over several weeks to months. Complete healing, including bone stabilization, can take longer, especially for multiple extractions or more complex cases. 

Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is essential to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Please also refer to the Post-Operative Instructions for immediate dentures.

You can eat with immediate dentures, but adjusting will take some time. We recommend sticking to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups in the first few days after placement. As your mouth heals and you become more comfortable, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.

Chewing may feel different at first, and you’ll need to take smaller bites and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods during the initial healing period, as they can dislodge the dentures or irritate the gums.

With practice and proper care, most patients adapt well and can enjoy various foods over time.

No, immediate dentures should not be removed for the first 24 hours after surgery, even while sleeping. They help control bleeding, protect the surgical sites, and support proper healing by acting like a bandage over the extraction areas.

Always follow your post-operative instructions carefully and reach out with any concerns during your recovery.

Note: When you have an extraction date booked, call our office so we can schedule your post-operative appointment. This appointment is essential, as the denturist will remove your denture to ensure that everything looks as it should post-extraction and relieve any sore spots from the denture.