When teeth need to be removed, many people worry about how they will look, speak, or eat during the healing period. Immediate dentures provide a way to maintain your smile and everyday function without waiting weeks for your gums to recover. 

What Are Immediate Dentures?

Immediate dentures are dentures that are made before your extraction appointment and placed as soon as your teeth are removed. Their purpose is to give you a temporary replacement while your gums and bone heal and change shape over the next several months.

Immediate dentures can be used with traditional dentures or with implant-supported dentures. In both cases, the temporary denture gives you teeth the same day as extractions while your mouth heals and your final restoration is prepared.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Immediate dentures are often recommended when a patient is transitioning from natural teeth to a full or partial denture in a single appointment. The key requirement is the ability to take impressions and measurements before the teeth are removed, which allows the denture to be fabricated in advance.

This approach works well for patients who:

• Need multiple tooth extractions and want a temporary prosthesis placed the same day
• Are preparing for either a traditional denture or an implant-supported denture
• Prefer to maintain their appearance and oral function throughout the healing period

Immediate dentures are adaptable to a wide range of clinical situations. As long as the mouth can be evaluated and recorded accurately before extraction, most patients can proceed with this option.

How the Immediate Denture Process Works

At Argyle Family Dental & Prosthodontics, the process is designed for comfort and predictability from start to finish.

1. Initial Consultation

Dr. Khodakhast reviews your oral health, evaluates which teeth require removal, and discusses the best immediate denture approach for your goals and long-term plans.

2. Impressions and Smile Design

Impressions, bite measurements, and esthetic details are taken so your dentures match your facial features and bite alignment.

3. Dentures Are Made Before Extractions

Your denture is designed and fabricated before any teeth are removed, allowing it to be ready for placement as soon as the extractions are completed.

4. Extractions and Denture Placement

Once the teeth are extracted, the denture is positioned right away, offering coverage and support for the healing tissues.

5. Follow-Up Visits

As your gums begin to heal and change shape, adjustments are made to keep the denture comfortable and properly supported. Most patients return for follow-up visits at the one-day, one-week, and one-month marks, with additional appointments scheduled if further refinement is needed during the adaptation period.

Benefits of Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures provide several advantages during the healing phase:

• Maintain a complete smile immediately after extractions
• Provide coverage over the extraction sites during early healing
• Support speech and oral function as you adjust
• Preserve lip and cheek support while tissues change
• Allow the fit to be refined through scheduled follow-up visits

What to Expect During Healing

In the first few weeks after extractions, the gums and supporting tissues change quickly, and the fit of the immediate denture shifts as healing progresses.

First 24–48 Hours

• Some swelling and soreness
• Denture feels tight
• Soft foods recommended

Some patients choose to remove their dentures for short breaks due to tenderness.

First Week

• Gum swelling decreases
• Denture may feel loose as healing progresses
• Adjustments ease pressure points and improve comfort

During the first week, most patients notice steady improvement as their mouth adjusts to the new denture.

First Month

• The gums and underlying ridge continue to change shape.
• Soft relines may be needed
• Eating and speaking feel more natural

A permanent denture is made once the tissues have stabilized enough for accurate final impressions.

Immediate Dentures in Centennial, CO

With immediate dentures, you can begin the healing process with a complete set of teeth in place from day one. Our team will help you understand your options and determine the best approach for your long-term oral health. 

To book an appointment for a denture consultation at our dental office in Centennial, CO, call (303) 770-2254 or request an appointment online.

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