Which One Is Right For You?
You have been to the dentist and your remaining teeth need to be extracted. What next?
You will be referred to a denturist for a consultation to discuss treatment plan for your first complete denture and future care.
There are two options to choose from:
Immediate Dentures:
Immediate Dentures are constructed before your remaining natural teeth are extracted and are inserted by your dentist after your last tooth is removed. Your denturist will do their best to ensure the relationship of your jaw, tooth size and positioning is as close as possible to your natural teeth. However, the change in supporting tissue and bone levels are impossible to predict. There is no guarantee of the final outcome. In very rare, extreme cases, a new denture is required.
During the first 24 hours after tooth extraction and denture placement, it is crucial that you DO NOT remove the denture. Premature removal of the denture could make it’s
re-insertion difficult due to the swelling of the oral tissues. The discomfort from the extractions will not be eliminated by removing the dentures. A liquid/soft food diet is encouraged during this time. Please follow all dentist recommended care for antibiotics and pain management.
Immediate Dentures are the right solution for anyone that cannot have any “down time” without teeth, due to social or work commitments.
Post Immediate Dentures:
Post Immediate Dentures are constructed approximately 2-4 weeks after your natural teeth are extracted. Post Immediate dentures allow your denturist to construct your dentures with more accuracy in the fit, function and aesthetic tooth positioning. The biggest advantage of post immediate is the ability to have a wax try-in of the new dentures before completion. The degree of patient satisfaction with this method is increased as it eliminates all guess work.
Post Immediate Dentures are the right solution for anyone that wants less after care, due to loose and ill-fitting dentures. Also, for patients that want some aesthetic control over what their new smile will look like.
As with any first denture, after care involving sore spot adjustments and re-fitting/relining will be necessary and required for long term success.
Tricia Thobaben is a Registered Denturist at the Sullivan Denture Centre in Surrey,BC.