Immediate Surgical Dentures: What You Need to Know
Losing teeth can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. Fortunately, immediate surgical dentures provide a solution that ensures you do not have to go without teeth while you heal from extractions. If you are considering dentures or have been advised by your dentist to get immediate surgical dentures, it is essential to understand what they are, how they work, and what to expect during the healing process.
What Are Immediate Surgical Dentures?
Immediate surgical dentures are prosthetic teeth that are created before your tooth extractions and placed in your mouth immediately after the procedure. These dentures serve multiple purposes: they restore the appearance of your smile, aid in the healing process, and help you maintain normal speech and eating functions.
The process of receiving immediate dentures typically begins with an initial consultation with your Denturist here at Beausejour Denture Clinic. During this visit, impressions of your mouth are taken while your natural teeth are still in place. These impressions are used to fabricate a set of dentures that will be ready for placement immediately after your extractions.
The Benefits of Immediate Surgical Dentures
One of the biggest advantages of immediate surgical dentures is that you never have to go without teeth. This provides an immediate boost in confidence and ensures that you can continue with daily activities like eating and speaking with minimal disruption.
Other benefits include:
Protection for healing gums: The dentures act as a bandage, protecting the sensitive extraction sites from infection and reducing bleeding.
Reduced swelling and discomfort: Wearing the dentures immediately after surgery can help control swelling and aid in a more comfortable recovery.
Better adaptation to dentures: Since you begin wearing your dentures right away, you have an easier transition to using them compared to those who wait for complete healing before getting dentures.
Maintains facial structure: Immediate dentures help prevent the sunken appearance that can occur when teeth are extracted without replacement.
What to Expect After Getting Immediate Surgical Dentures
The healing process after extractions varies from person to person, but here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:
1-2 Weeks After Extraction
Swelling and soreness are common, but these symptoms typically decrease within a few days.
You may need adjustments to ensure a proper fit as your gums and bone structure begin to change from healing.
1-3 Months After Extraction
The most significant changes in your gums and jawbone occur during this period. As the tissue heals and shrinks, your dentures may start feeling loose.
Regular visits to your Denturist are necessary to adjust the fit and replace the temporary lining if needed.
You may need to modify your diet, opting for softer foods while you adjust to eating with dentures.
4-12 Months After Extraction
By this time, most of the healing has occurred, and your gums have settled into their new shape.
Your Denturist will assess whether you need a new final denture or a procedure called a “reline.”
Final Denture vs. Reline: What’s the Next Step?
Once the healing process is complete, you have two options for ensuring a comfortable and long-term fit:
Option 1: Fabricating a New Final Denture
A brand-new denture is created based on the healed shape of your gums. This ensures the best fit and comfort moving forward.
Option 2: Reline of the Existing Dentures
A denture reline involves taking a new impression of your healed gums. The inside of your denture is then relined with a more permanent acrylic material, improving its fit and comfort without requiring a completely new denture.
Tips for Adjusting to Immediate Surgical Dentures
Getting used to dentures takes time, but with patience and proper care, you will adjust smoothly. Here are some tips to help:
Follow post-surgery care instructions: Your Denturist and Dentist/ Oral Surgeon will provide guidelines on cleaning your dentures and caring for your gums.
Attend follow-up appointments: Regular visits to your Denturist will ensure proper healing and necessary adjustments.
Practice speaking: Speaking with dentures may feel different at first. Reading aloud and practicing difficult words can help you adjust faster.
Be mindful of your diet: Stick to soft foods initially and gradually introduce more solid foods as you become comfortable.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Even though you have dentures, keeping your mouth clean is crucial for preventing infections and maintaining oral health.
Final Thoughts
Immediate surgical dentures are an excellent solution for individuals who need tooth extractions but do not want to go without teeth during the healing process. While there is an adjustment period, the benefits of maintaining a natural appearance, protecting your gums, and adapting to dentures more quickly make them a popular choice. Your Denturist will ensure the best results for long-term comfort and confidence in your smile.
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With advancements in dental technology, modern dentures are crafted to closely resemble natural teeth, providing not only functional benefits but also a seamless appearance. Whether it is partial dentures for a few missing teeth or complete dentures for total tooth loss, dentures remain a popular and effective choice to regain a functional and attractive smile.
