An Immediate Denture is a dental prosthesis constructed to replace extracted teeth and associated structures of the upper and/or lower arch which is inserted immediately following removal of the teeth. Since the time and the severity of the healing time vary from client to client, temporary tissue conditioning relines are done to provide fit and comfort. Once the tissue has completely healed, which may take anywhere from six months to one year, then a permanent reline can be done.
What is an Immediate Denture?
Quick answer
An immediate denture is a prosthesis constructed in advance and inserted on the same day that the remaining natural teeth are extracted, so the patient never goes without teeth during healing. Because gum and bone tissue change significantly as they heal - a process that can take six months to a year - temporary tissue conditioning relines are performed periodically to maintain fit and comfort until a permanent reline or replacement denture is made.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
-
Why would someone choose an immediate denture over waiting?
An immediate denture avoids the social and functional impact of a healing period without any teeth. It also acts as a bandage over extraction sites, helping to control swelling and support tissue contours during the critical early weeks of healing.
-
What is a tissue conditioning reline?
A tissue conditioning reline applies a soft, pliable material to the fitting surface of the immediate denture to compensate for changes in the gum and bone as swelling subsides and tissue heals. These temporary relines are replaced or updated as healing progresses.
-
When can I get a permanent reline after extractions?
A permanent reline is typically appropriate once the gum tissue has fully healed and stabilized - generally six months to a year after the extractions. Until that point, any reline would need to be repeated as tissue continues to change shape.
-
Will the fit of my immediate denture change over time?
Yes, noticeably. The bone under the extraction sites remodels and the gum tissue shrinks during healing, so the denture that fit at insertion will become progressively looser. This is expected and normal - the tissue conditioning relines and eventual permanent reline or replacement address this change.
More denture care insights
Benefits of a Well Fitting Sports Mouth Guard
A customized mouth guard is a great idea for anyone who is involved in any type of physical sport such as hockey...
Read article →
How Long Do Dentures Last?
Your basic dentures will last about 5 years. Investing a little more in a stronger material can make your dentures last 7-10...
Read article →
Completely Customized Dentures
The process to fabricating dentures requires 4 appointments, including the complimentary initial consultation. The 1 st appointment is for taking impressions of your mouth;...
Read article →Have a question about your dentures?
Book a free consultation at North Hill Denture Clinic. No referral required. Steve will give you a straight answer about your situation.