Immediate Denture

An immediate denture is fabricated before any teeth are extracted and is inserted into the mouth right after the remaining teeth are removed. The key benefit is that the patient never has to go without teeth, which matters enormously to people who are anxious about their appearance during the transition.

The process requires careful planning. Impressions and bite records are taken while the natural teeth are still in place, and the dentist works with the lab to design the denture based on the existing tooth positions or a modified arrangement. On the day of surgery, the teeth are extracted and the pre-made denture is seated immediately. It acts as a bandage of sorts, helping to protect the extraction sites and control bleeding during the initial healing phase. The trade-off is that immediate dentures almost always need adjustments. As the gums heal and the bone remodels over the following months, the fit of the denture changes. Patients should expect multiple reline appointments, and many will eventually need a permanent denture or a reline once healing is complete, typically six to twelve months later. Some practices include these follow-up visits in the initial treatment fee, while others charge separately.

Clear communication about this timeline is essential for patient satisfaction. When patients understand from the beginning that the immediate denture is a transitional step and that adjustments are a normal part of the process, they are much more likely to stay positive throughout treatment. For the front office, this also means scheduling appropriately and ensuring the financial arrangement accounts for the full course of care.