You’ve found out that you need to have some, or all of your teeth removed, and you may find yourself asking your Surrey denturist, “what happens now?”
Necessary tooth extraction can happen for several reasons. As we age, tooth decay and gum disease become the most common causes of tooth removal. Thankfully, patients facing multiple tooth extractions have several options on how they would like to proceed with smile restoration – and some options can even be implemented the same day as tooth extraction.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
Immediate or same-day dentures are a progression of existing denture techniques and have had a significant positive impact on denture patients. Where the process of going from extracting to dentures could once take months to complete, some patients now have the option of removing their teeth and receiving their dentures at the same time, eliminating the uncomfortable waiting period.
How Does the Immediate Denture Procedure Work?
The fabrication process behind immediate dentures is very similar to traditional dentures, so how then is the procedure completed in a day? Contrary to the name, same-day dentures are not manufactured on the spot; instead, they get their name because the appliance is placed on the same day as tooth extraction. Immediate dentures are made before teeth are removed, so they are ready on the day of the procedure.
Before your teeth are removed, you will have several appointments with your Surrey denturist, during which time they will take detailed x-rays and moulds of your mouth to create your custom dental appliance. This is where the same-day denture procedure differs from traditional dentures.
Also Read: 4 Useful Tips When Eating with Dentures: Our Guide
Normally, your denturist waits until after the teeth have been extracted and the gums have healed to take the impressions that will be used to manufacture your dentures. This means that patients often have to wait between six and eight weeks, and sometimes more, to finally receive their dentures. During this time, patients will need to learn to eat, speak, and function without their teeth, which many people find challenging.
With immediate dentures, tooth extraction and placement of your dentures happen during one appointment. You enter your Surrey denturist office for tooth extraction and leave with your new dentures.
Are Immediate Dentures Right for Everyone?
There are pros and cons associated with same-day dentures. Technology has come a long way since the first dentures were created. Today, it is possible to get very precise images and measurements that enable your denturists to have well-fitted dentures made without first extracting your teeth.
The quality of immediate dentures is comparable to permanent dentures. However, because they are not custom-fitted to your mouth after your teeth have been extracted, there can sometimes be issues with fit, which may require additional appointments to correct. Same-day denture patients often experience soreness as gums are healing. However, immediate dentures mustn’t be removed for at least 24-hours following tooth extraction as swelling might make it very difficult to put the dentures back in.
Because of fit issues, immediate dentures are typically used as a temporary dental appliance for use while your gums heal post tooth extraction, until impressions can be taken to manufacture permanent dentures.
Denture patients do not need to get immediate dentures; however, your Surrey denturists may suggest getting them if you are having many or all of your teeth removed. Immediate dentures help improve your ability to function normally while waiting for your permanent dentures. Many patients feel uncomfortable with the idea of being without multiple teeth for an extended period of time, and with same-day dentures available at a Surrey Denturist, they don’t have to.
