Temporary Denture

A temporary denture, also called an immediate or transitional denture, is a removable prosthetic appliance fabricated before tooth extractions and delivered the same day teeth are removed. The primary purpose is to provide immediate tooth replacement so the patient is never without teeth during healing, maintaining esthetics, basic masticatory function, speech, and soft tissue support while the alveolar ridge undergoes remodeling. Temporary dentures are fabricated from pre-extraction impressions and jaw relation records, with the laboratory approximating the anticipated post-extraction ridge form based on the clinician's surgical instructions.

The significant clinical challenge is that the alveolar ridge changes shape substantially during the first three to six months as bone resorbs and soft tissue contracts. This remodeling causes the denture to progressively lose tissue contact, resulting in looseness, rocking, and potential sore spots. One or more interim relines are typically performed to readapt the denture base to changing tissue contours. Once the ridge has stabilized, the patient transitions to a definitive permanent denture fabricated from new impressions of fully healed tissues, providing a more precise and stable fit.

The billing workflow involves a distinct CDT code for immediate denture delivery separate from the conventional permanent denture code. Coverage policies vary regarding whether plans reimburse for both an immediate denture and a subsequent permanent denture within the same benefit period. Some plans allow both, while others consider the immediate denture definitive and will not cover replacement until the frequency limitation elapses, typically five to seven years. Billing teams must verify plan policy before committing to the treatment sequence to set accurate patient financial expectations. Interim relines are separately billable and should be documented with the clinical reason and reline material used. Clear communication of the full treatment timeline and costs at case presentation helps patients understand the multi-phase process.