Immediate Dentures

The Immediate Denture Process

First, you'll undergo a dental examination to assess your oral health and determine if immediate dentures are right for you.

Next, your dentist will take impressions of your mouth to create a precise model for crafting your custom dentures. Once your dentures are ready, your dentist will place them in your mouth immediately after your tooth extractions.

Finally, you'll have follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to your dentures for a comfortable, secure fit.

Benefits of Immediate Dentures

With immediate dentures, you won't have to be without teeth while your gums heal, as the dentures are placed right after your extractions. The dentures also serve to cover and protect your gums during the healing process, reducing discomfort and aiding recovery.

Additionally, because you'll have your immediate dentures from the start, you'll learn to eat and speak with one set of dentures, making the adjustment process easier.

Finally, wearing immediate dentures helps prevent facial sagging and premature aging that can occur due to missing teeth and lack of support for facial muscles.

Caring for Your Immediate Dentures

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for maintaining the health of your gums and ensuring your immediate dentures last as long as possible. For the first 24 hours after your dentures are placed, it's important to leave them in to help control any bleeding and swelling that may occur.

After this initial period, you should remove your dentures 4-5 times a day for thorough cleaning. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your dentures, gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth to remove plaque and food particles.

When you're not wearing your dentures, such as overnight, soak them in a denture-soaking solution to keep them moist and clean. Finally, be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist so they can monitor your gum healing and make any necessary adjustments to your dentures for a comfortable, secure fit.

It is important to remember that immediate dentures will need a reline or most likely replacement 2 to 3 months after tooth extraction due to natural gum shrinkage and remodeling of bone.

Alternatives to Immediate Dentures

While immediate dentures are an excellent solution for many patients, temporary bridges could be used as an alternative for 1-3 teeth gaps. A temporary bridge is a fixed appliance that fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth.

It's typically anchored to adjacent teeth with crowns or attached to dental implants. Temporary bridges are smaller than immediate dentures and don't cover the palate, but they're also more expensive. Your dentist will help you determine which tooth replacement option best suits your unique needs, preferences, and budget.

Get Your Smile Back with Immediate Dentures in Oxford

At Kennett Road Dental Practice, we understand the impact tooth loss can have on your confidence, health, and quality of life. That's why we offer immediate dentures to help you regain your smile and dental function as quickly and comfortably as possible.

Our experienced dental team will guide you through every step of the immediate denture process, from the initial consultation to the final fitting. We use the latest technology and highest-quality materials to craft dentures that look natural, feel comfortable, and fit securely.