What Are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are a removable dental prosthetic designed to be placed on the same day that natural teeth are extracted. Unlike traditional dentures, which are made after the gums have fully healed, immediate dentures are fabricated in advance using impressions taken while your teeth are still present. This allows you to leave our office with a complete smile, even immediately after tooth removal.
These dentures serve as a temporary solution while your mouth heals. Over time, the shape of your gums and underlying bone changes, which means the denture will eventually need to be relined, adjusted, or replaced with a permanent set. At Alameda Dental, Dr. Casandra Barnes and our team will guide you through the entire process, from initial impressions to final fit.
How Immediate Dentures Work
The process typically involves several steps:
- Initial Consultation and Impressions: We evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and take detailed impressions (digital or traditional) of your mouth. These impressions are used to create a model of your existing teeth and gums.
- Denture Fabrication: A dental laboratory uses the model to craft your custom immediate denture. We work with you to select tooth shade and shape that look natural.
- Extraction and Placement: On the day of your procedure, we numb the area thoroughly and gently remove the designated teeth. Once the teeth are out, we insert your pre-made denture immediately. In many cases, we can complete both steps in a single appointment.
- Follow-Up Care: You will return for several check-ups so we can monitor healing and adjust the denture as needed. As swelling reduces and bone remodels, the fit will change; these appointments help keep you comfortable.
The number of visits and the exact timeline depend on your specific situation. We’ll provide a clear plan before starting treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Immediate dentures are an option for many patients who need full or partial extractions and want to avoid a period without teeth. You may be a candidate if:
- You have several teeth that are compromised and require removal.
- You are already missing teeth and plan to have the remaining ones extracted.
- You have healthy gum tissue and adequate bone support to hold a denture.
- You are committed to following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up visits.
However, immediate dentures are not right for everyone. For example, certain medical conditions or complex extraction needs may require a different approach. The best way to know is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barnes. She will review your health history, examine your mouth, and explain the most appropriate options for you.
Benefits and What to Consider
Benefits of immediate dentures include:
- No toothless period: You can maintain a natural-looking smile and social confidence right after extractions.
- Protection for healing tissues: The denture acts as a bandage, helping to control swelling and protect the extraction sites.
- Easier adaptation: You learn to speak and chew with one set of dentures, rather than having to adjust to a temporary then a permanent set.
- Facial structure support: Dentures help maintain lip and cheek position, preventing the sunken-in look that can occur with missing teeth.
Realistic considerations:
- Fit changes: As healing progresses, the denture will loosen and may become uncomfortable. Relining or a new denture will be necessary after several months.
- Adjustment period: It takes time to get used to wearing dentures. Soreness, increased salivation, and difficulty with eating and speaking are common initially.
- Follow-up commitment: You will need multiple adjustment visits to ensure proper fit and oral health.
- Temporary nature: Immediate dentures are not a final restoration; they are a stepping stone to a permanent solution once your mouth has healed.
Dr. Barnes and our team will discuss all of these points during your consultation so you have a clear picture before proceeding.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your immediate denture is placed, you will receive detailed instructions for the first days and weeks. Here are some general guidelines:
- First 24 hours: You may be advised to keep the denture in place, even while sleeping, to help reduce swelling. An ice pack applied externally can also help.
- Pain management: Mild to moderate discomfort is normal. Over-the-counter or prescribed medication can ease it. Follow the directions we provide.
- Eating: Stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, soup, and applesauce. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until we clear you.
- Oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with salt water or prescribed rinse. You will remove the denture for cleaning after the first day; we’ll show you how.
- Denture care: Brush the denture daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleanser. Soak it in water or denture solution when not in use.
- Follow-up visits: Attend all scheduled appointments so we can check healing, adjust the denture, and address any concerns. Do not attempt to adjust the denture yourself.
Healing times vary. If you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection, contact our office immediately at (303) 343-7072.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of immediate dentures depends on several factors, including the number of teeth extracted, the type of denture, and whether you need a full or partial appliance. Because treatment plans vary, we provide a personalized treatment estimate after your initial examination.
Our team believes in transparent pricing. We will review your treatment plan, explain what your insurance may cover, and discuss any out-of-pocket costs upfront. Call (303) 343-7072 to schedule a consultation and learn more about payment options.
Your Care at Alameda Dental
At Alameda Dental, Dr. Casandra Barnes brings clinical skill and a gentle approach to every procedure. Our team understands that losing teeth can be emotional, and we are committed to making your transition to dentures as comfortable and supported as possible.
We use modern materials and techniques to create dentures that look natural and fit well. While immediate dentures are temporary, we pay careful attention to aesthetics and function from the very first set. From your initial impressions to your final adjustment, we take the time to answer questions and adapt your care to your specific needs.
Our Aurora office at 14591 E Alameda Ave is a welcoming environment where you can feel at ease. We follow strict safety and sterilization protocols, and we offer options to help you relax during treatment. Whether you need a single arch or full-mouth immediate dentures, we’re here to help you smile again—on day one.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are considering immediate dentures, the first step is a consultation at Alameda Dental. During this visit, Dr. Barnes will:
- Review your medical and dental history
- Perform a thorough oral examination and take any necessary X-rays
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Explain whether immediate dentures are right for you and outline the process, timeline, and cost
- Answer all your questions so you can make an informed decision
Our office is located at 14591 E Alameda Ave, Aurora, CO 80012. To request an appointment, call us at (303) 343-7072 or use our online contact form. We look forward to helping you restore your smile.
Request Your Appointment
Alameda Dental is accepting new patients. Contact us today to request your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask
Dental Terminology
- Full Denture
- A removable prosthetic that replaces all teeth in the upper or lower arch.
- Partial Denture
- A removable prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth using clasps that attach to remaining natural teeth.
- Implant-Supported Denture
- A denture anchored to two or more dental implants for improved stability and retention.
- Reline
- The process of resurfacing the tissue-contacting side of a denture to restore fit as the jaw changes shape.
- Rebase
- Replacement of the entire base of a denture while preserving the original teeth.
- Flange
- The part of a denture that extends over the gum tissue and helps maintain stability.
- Immediate Denture
- A denture placed immediately after tooth extraction so the patient is never without teeth.
- Denture Adhesive
- A paste, powder, or strip used to help secure dentures and create a tighter seal with the gums.