Immediate / Temporary Dentures

Information on immediate (or temporary) dentures and your treatment at Bristol Dental School

Dentures usually take a minimum of 6 appointments to make as they need to be custom made to accurately fit a patient’s mouth. However, there are clinical situations when a patient needs tooth replacement more quickly. Immediate dentures can be provided in a much shorter time frame (usually two appointments).

Immediate dentures are a TEMPORARY denture and will always be replaced by a definitive denture. It is important to keep appointments for your definitive denture and finish treatment as immediate dentures are not designed for long term use.

Why do I need immediate/temporary dentures?

Clinical situations where immediate dentures are required include:

Immediately after tooth extraction - Before tooth extractions, impressions are taken to make an immediate denture. On the day of extraction, any lost teeth will be replaced with denture teeth.

Whilst completing other dental treatment - all dental disease/problems need to be treated before fitting a definitive denture. However, sometimes patients require tooth replacement with a denture before their other dental treatment is complete. In these circumstances, an immediate denture can be provided and worn until the mouth is ready for a definitive denture to be made.

Treatment

Temporary dentures can be made in as little as 2 appointments, however sometimes more appointments are necessary. The following treatment is required to make an immediate/temporary denture:

1. Impressions – A mould of your teeth is taken and sent to the dental laboratory.

2. Wax bite – Custom made wax blocks are moulded to the shape of your mouth to record tooth position and bite. In some cases, this stage is not required.

3. Immediate denture fit – Any necessary adjustments are made to make it comfortable.

If you are having teeth removed, immediate dentures are constructed BEFORE your tooth extraction appointment so that you do not have to go without teeth. If you already have a good quality denture, it may be possible to add additional teeth to it. This requires your denture to be sent to the laboratory for a few hours on the day of the tooth extraction appointment.  The extra teeth are added to your existing denture so that you do not go without teeth after your tooth/teeth are extracted.

Advantages:

• Appearance: Dentures can hide any gaps between teeth so can improve aesthetics

• Tooth movement: Prevents unwanted tooth movement.

• Treatment planning: Can test any changes in tooth shape, shade or position before providing a definitive denture

Disadvantages:

• Fit: As immediate/temporary dentures are made quickly, they do not fit as well as definitive dentures

• Temporary: Immediate dentures are not designed to last a long time so you will need them replaced with a definitive denture after healing has occurred.

• Tooth extractions: If you require immediate dentures after tooth extraction/s:

  • Swelling following tooth extraction may make the denture feel uncomfortable at first. This will improve as the swelling resolves.
  • Immediate dentures can’t be tried in before extractions so you cannot see what the finished denture will look like
  • As your mouth heals after tooth extraction, your gums change shape. This results in immediate dentures becoming loose over time.

Alternatives

An alternative to wearing a temporary/immediate denture is accepting the gap(s) where the teeth are missing and leaving the mouth as it is.

If you require extractions, waiting for your tooth socket, bone and gums to heal can sometimes be beneficial before providing an immediate/temporary denture.

If you require a temporary denture after tooth extraction:

  • Keep your immediate denture in the mouth for 24 hours – this will help protect the extraction site/s and stop bleeding. If removed during this time period, you may not be able to fit the denture back in as swelling can occur after tooth extraction.
  • After 24 hours, remove your dentures to clean them (see the denture care leaflet).
  • Remove your immediate dentures at night, clean them and keep them in a secure container.
  • For the 1st week, clean your denture regularly (e.g. 4-5 times a day) as this will remove any blood/debris and prevent infection of the extraction sockets.
  • Try to avoid chewy, crunchy, sticky and hard foods until you have a good control when eating with your denture/s.
  • Clean your teeth as usual. 

What happens after treatment?

After you have been wearing an immediate/temporary denture for a period of time, a definitive denture or dental restoration will be made.

It is important you return for this treatment as immediate/temporary dentures are not designed to last in the long-term.

Questions you may want to ask

  • How many appointments will it take to make my denture/s?
  • How can I care for my denture?
  • What should I do if my denture is not comfortable?

Maintaining good oral hygiene at home

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healthy teeth and gums, and will help reduce the risk of decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes.

Smoking and alcohol increase the risk of oral disease. If you want to quit smoking or reduce your alcohol intake, please talk to the clinician you see for further advice.

It is important to attend dental check-ups regularly, as this will help your dentist to identify any dental disease early.