Immediate Dentures
When a patient needs to have their natural teeth extracted and subsequently replaced by dentures, they have an important decision to make. They can choose to either: a) have the dentures fabricated in advance of their surgery and inserted the moment the teeth are removed (known as immediate dentures), or b) wait until their gums have healed before starting the denture process for optimal fit and function (known as conventional dentures).
There are pros and cons to choosing immediate dentures over their conventional counterparts, so let’s start with the positives! The primary advantage is also the most obvious, and that’s the esthetic benefit of having teeth in your mouth instantly. Although conventional dentures are functionally-superior to immediate dentures, many individuals are embarrassed to be seen without teeth. For such patients, opting for immediate dentures would allow them to go about their daily activities and interactions with minimal disruption to their routine.
In addition, immediate dentures can aid in the healing process by acting as a bandage on the wounded extraction sites – however, it’s worth noting that the added stimulation can also exacerbate any existing mouth pain and discomfort that the patient might already be experiencing. While it shouldn't come as a surprise that putting pressure on freshly excised tissue might be painful, many patients underestimate just how unpleasant immediate dentures can be from a physical standpoint. If you are considering this treatment plan, please note that the tissue in your mouth is extremely sensitive and, as such, you should be both mentally and physically prepared to experience the added pain and discomfort that comes from placing immediate dentures on tender, swollen gums.
Another challenge associated with immediate dentures is the rapid rate at which they can lose function. Dentures rely on suction and grip to hold firmly in place and even a single millimetre in discrepancy between dentures and gums can cause the prosthetic to become loose and perform poorly. Now consider all of the significant changes that the mouth will undergo from the time immediate dentures are made prior to surgery. From having the teeth and roots removed from the gums, to the relatively substantial post-surgery swelling, to the natural deswelling which occurs as the tissue heals and lastly the gradual gum resorption that takes place within the first year of extractions (particularly within the first 3 months), it’s no wonder that immediate dentures can be frustrating from a functional standpoint.
This is not to say that immediate dentures are a bad idea – it is simply important to understand their limitations before making such an important decision. Thankfully you can have your immediate dentures refitted once your gums have fully resorbed, but it can be an arduous journey reaching that point compared to a patient who waits until their gums have healed before getting their dentures. Simply by waiting a few months, or even a few weeks, a patient can avoid the bulk of the frustrations that an immediate denture-wearer will face.
Without a doubt, the toughest decision first-time denture-wearers have to make is choosing between immediate and conventional dentures. We encourage you to call us directly at 519-865-8477 or message us using the button below if you'd like to discuss this weighty decision in detail.