We all have probably heard of the song “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth)” popularized by Alvin and the Chipmunks. It is a cute and catchy song. But if your two permanent front teeth happen to fall out at the start of the year, then Christmas is a long wait. It’s a good thing that immediate dentures are now available, well, immediately. Scrap having to wait for Christmas to come around because you can get same day dentures at Prostho Dental Office.
What is an immediate denture?
Losing a teeth can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:
- Gum disease
- Injury or trauma
- Tooth decay
Your missing teeth can be replaced by dentures, which are removable false teeth. Dentures may either be conventional or immediate. Conventional dentures are permanent false teeth replacement. These take about 8 to 12 months to be produced and positioned in the mouth. This means that you will be toothless for quite some time.
Having missing teeth can be inconvenient. This can affect the way you eat and speak. If the missing teeth are up front, you may find it embarrassing to smile or talk to someone as having gaps in between teeth looks unflattering.
Immediate dentures can replace your missing teeth in the meantime that you are waiting for your conventional or permanent dentures to be made. Immediate dentures, otherwise known as temporary dentures, are false teeth that are already ready-made. Because this type of dentures are already premade, their fitting might be off and may shift from time to time.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of immediate dentures?
It is common for dentists to suggest getting immediate dentures while waiting for your conventional dentures to arrive. It is good to know about the benefits and disadvantages of immediate dentures before committing to getting one. The table below lists the pros and cons.
| Benefits | Disadvantages |
| • Can be attached as soon as teeth extractions are done
• Eating, speaking, smiling, and talking will not be embarrassing. • Gaps left by missing teeth are filled immediately • Gums are protected as it heals • Helps in minimizing gum bleeding • Mouth will be more familiar with the sensation of wearing dentures • Practice of proper denture care can be mastered by the time that the permanent dentures arrive |
• Adjustments may be needed as immediate dentures may shift or slip as the gums heal
• Chewing may be a challenge as the artificial teeth are less sharp than permanent dentures • Discomfort, irritation, or soreness may be felt as the mouth adjusts to the immediate dentures • May not fit correctly as they are not customized according to your mouth after teeth extraction |
If you agree to get immediate dentures, they can be fitted once your teeth extractions are done.
How do you know if you are a good candidate for immediate dentures?
While immediate dentures are offered to anyone who needs permanent dentures, it does not always mean that it is necessary that you get one. If only one tooth is extracted or the few missing teeth that you have are somewhere at the back of the mouth and are hardly noticeable, then you may opt to skip getting immediate dentures.
Generally, immediate dentures will work best for patients who need complete dentures.
You may also want to consider your costs as getting immediate dentures will be a separate expense from your complete or partial dentures.
What happens during an immediate dentures procedure?
You can expect to undergo the following steps once you decide to get immediate dentures:
- Impressions of your teeth are taken using a mold prior to your scheduled teeth extraction;
- The immediate dentures are formed using your teeth impression;
- The immediate dentures are ready and implanted into your gums as soon as your tooth or teeth have been extracted;
- Leave your dentures in place and do not remove them until the day after your extractions if they need cleaning.
Regular dental appointments should be scheduled after getting your immediate dentures as your dentist will need to monitor its position and the healing of your gums underneath.
What to expect after getting immediate dentures?
Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions on what to do in the next few days, especially when it comes to cleaning your dentures. Be sure to play close attention to your dentist’s instructions and follow through.
When necessary, your doctor may prescribe oral medications. If you develop any sore spots in the next few days following your immediate denture procedure, let your dentist know as there may be a need to adjust the denture’s position.
Your gums and mouth will be extra sensitive and may feel sore after getting your immediate dentures. So as not to irritate or add to the discomfort, you must follow a soft or liquid diet for a few days. Stick to the following foods during the first few days after your immediate dentures procedure:
- Bananas
- Broths
- Eggs
- Oats
- Porridge
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Yogurt
Avoid any hard foods like:
- Apples
- Candies
- Carrots
- Chips
- Corn on the cob
- French rolls and breads
- Ice
- Nuts
Chewy foods are also a no-no:
- Caramels
- Gums
- Licorice
- Toffee
- Tootsie Rolls
How should immediate dentures be cared for?
Treating your immediate dentures with utmost care will help in making them last up until your conventional dentures are ready. To clean your immediate dentures, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands carefully before handling your dentures;
- Remove the dentures gently with the use of both of your hands;
- Using cold water only, rinse the denture;
- Gently brush the inner and outer part using a denture brush again using only cold water;
- Set aside the denture with care and proceed to mix 8 ounce of warm water with a teaspoon of salt;
- Gently swish the water and salt mixture around your mouth;
- Using both of your hands, carefully attach the denture back to its proper position inside your mouth
- Brush your other natural teeth.
Avoid using any cleaning agent or tools that can be harsh and cause damage to the dentures such as soap, toothbrush that has stiff bristles, hot water, products with bleach, and whitening toothpaste.
Prostho Dental Office
101 Irrawaddy Road
#17-07 Royal Square Medical Center
Singapore 329565
https://prosthodentaloffice.com.sg
+65 6908 6909
+65 9759 2909
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