Immediate Dentures: Benefits, Care & What to Expect After Tooth Extraction

Adjacent dentures serve as a swift solution for tooth extractions, preventing individuals from going without teeth during the healing process. They also preserve facial contours and protect extraction sites.

However, immediate dentures baker la must be adjusted frequently as the gums heal and shrink. Moreover, patients typically need annual relines to accommodate jaw shrinkage.

Cost

Dentures can be expensive, but immediate dentures provide a more affordable solution by eliminating the costs associated with a period without teeth. They also lower long-term costs by reducing the number of adjustments needed as gums and bone remodel. Insurance coverage varies, so checking with your provider beforehand is recommended.

Because they are made prior to tooth extraction, immediate dentures offer a more accurate and customized fit compared to traditional dentures. Moreover, they help to cushion the mouth after tooth loss and limit facial distortion.

Immediate dentures allow patients to return to normal eating habits immediately after tooth extraction, instead of having to switch to a liquid diet. They can also improve the aesthetics of the smile and boost self-confidence after losing a significant number of natural teeth. They may need to be adjusted and replaced more frequently compared to traditional dentures, but this can be prevented with regular follow-up visits. You can save on immediate and permanent dentures by exploring membership plans that offer discounts on treatment.

Appearance

Because immediate dentures are created while natural teeth remain in place, they can more closely mimic the shape, color, and arrangement of your remaining natural teeth. This can limit facial distortion that may occur as you age and make your dentures more aesthetically pleasing.

Additionally, immediate dentures baker la eliminate the need to wait for healing of gum tissue and full bone healing after tooth extraction. This can reduce the inconvenience of changing eating and speaking habits while waiting for traditional dentures to be fitted.

However, it is important to note that it can take weeks or even months for your mouth and immediate dentures to adapt to each other. During this time, you may experience soreness or discomfort, and your dentist will have to adjust or rebase the denture regularly as the jaw bone shrinks. You will also need to be mindful of the foods you eat and avoid hot dishes to help prevent irritation or triggering of the gag reflex.

Function

A temporary set of dentures can help heal extraction sites and prevent discomfort during the healing process. They can also allow patients to eat more comfortably until the permanent dentures are ready. The immediate dentures can even be used to create a custom-fitted impression tray for the final permanent denture, saving time and money.

It is recommended that patients avoid hard or sticky foods to reduce irritation and inflammation to the gums. Rinsing with warm salt water throughout the day can also help soothe the gums and remove food particles. Regular dental visits can be necessary to monitor the healing and adjust the immediate dentures.

While immediate dentures are a great option for many patients, they are not suitable for everyone. Patients who have active oral infections, severe periodontal disease or other medical issues that complicate post-extraction healing may not be good candidates for immediate dentures. Additionally, patients who are heavy smokers may experience more complications with their immediate dentures than others.

Maintenance

Although immediate dentures offer numerous benefits, they require a period of adjustment and healing. During this time, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling. However, these symptoms typically subside as gum tissues heal.

In addition, immediate dentures act as a protective barrier to minimise bleeding and reduce infection risk. They also shield surgical sites from trauma and help maintain facial shape, allowing patients to speak and eat more comfortably during this critical transition phase.

It’s important to follow your immediate dentures baker la guidelines on care and maintenance of immediate dentures, as they will provide personalised advice based on your unique needs. Avoid dropping or rough handling of your new dentures, and rinse them over a towel or basin filled with water to protect against accidental damage. Regular cleaning helps minimise plaque buildup, which can lead to gum disease and bad breath. It is also essential to visit your dentist for routine dental checkups to ensure proper function and aesthetics of your immediate dentures.