Introduction
An immediate denture is a complete or removable partial denture made before the teeth are extracted and placed straight after their removal, so the patient is never without teeth. Immediate partial dentures are usually acrylic, with wire (often ball) clasps.
Indications
- Front teeth must be extracted and appearance must be kept.
- Patients who aren't psychologically ready to be without teeth, or whose work demands it.
- Sudden tooth loss (accident) before healing has occurred.
- A temporary solution for financial reasons or while waiting for a definitive denture or implants.
Timeline
- Before extraction: impressions and jaw records; on the cast the teeth to be extracted are cut off, the ridge is trimmed to the expected post-extraction shape, and the denture is made.
- Extraction day: the teeth are removed and the denture is inserted at once. It acts as a bandage, protects the clot and limits swelling. The patient keeps it in for the first 24 hours.
- Next days and weeks: sore spots are relieved; as the sockets heal the denture loosens, and a soft tissue conditioner is added.
- 6–9 months: after the ridge settles, at least one definitive reline, or a new denture.