What is an immediate denture?

An immediate denture is a type of denture designed to replace teeth that are planned for removal.

They can replace one, several, or all teeth.

The denture is prepared before the tooth extraction and is placed immediately after the removal of the teeth.

What to expect from immediate dentures

A denture will not feel the same as natural teeth and will require time, patience and perseverance to get used to, especially if you are new to wearing them.

Your experience may vary from others.

The immediate denture may not fit accurately, particularly if a significant number of teeth are removed and replaced by the denture.

There is also a possibility that it may not fit at all and will require remaking after the teeth have been removed.

Pain and discomfort often occur when new dentures are first worn and adjustment are expected.

Your dentures will become progressively loose as time goes by due to the changes taking place as your mouth heals.

You will need to have the dentures relined within the first few months following tooth extraction to accommodate these changes.

You may need to use fixative to help secure your denture in your mouth.

Lower dentures are usually looser and harder to manage than upper dentures.

Eating may be challenging to begin with, and we recommend that you cut your food into small pieces.

It is likely that you may have difficulty with speech at first, but this usually improves with time.

We advise to practice by reading or talking aloud.

Immediate dentures are generally considered a temporary solution, often needing replacement with a more definitive set after about six months to a year.

What happens after my denture is fitted?

Initial care

You should leave your denture in place for the first night following your tooth extractions.

Your mouth may be swollen after treatment, and if you remove your dentures too soon it may be difficult to fit them back into your mouth.

Cleaning

When you remove your denture, clean it under cold water to remove any blood clot or debris and reinsert it as soon as possible.

Some soreness around the extraction sites is normal when reinserting your denture.

Diet

During this time, stick to soft foods and avoid very hot drinks. Repeated rinsing of your mouth is not advised.

Follow-up appointments

At your initial review visit, any problems with your new denture can be discussed with your dentist, who can make necessary adjustments.

Further appointments may be scheduled to address any ongoing issues.

Care of your dentures

• It is recommended to leave your dentures out at night to keep your mouth healthy.
• When not worn, clean your denture and store in glass/ container with cold water.
• Clean your denture every night using soap and a denture brush or soft toothbrush.
• Avoid using ordinary toothpaste as it is too abrasive and may damage the denture.
• Commercially available denture cleaning agents can also be used – follow the packet instructions.
• Clean your dentures over a basin of water or a towel to prevent breaking them if dropped.

Do not use hot water as it can damage the denture surfaces.

Follow-up care

Your dentist will advise you on the timing of review appointments.

These reviews are important to monitor the health of your mouth and remaining teeth.

Adjustments to improve the fit of your denture may be necessary as your mouth heals and changes shape post-extraction.

Further information

Please visit dentalhealth.org/dentures for more information about dentures.