Immediate Dentures Houston, TX
Immediate dentures, also known as temporary dentures, are prosthetic teeth that are placed right after a dentist performs a major tooth extraction. Immediate dentures provide a safe, comfortable replacement for natural teeth. Dentists use them to take the place of natural teeth that have been damaged beyond repair due to disease, decay, or injury.
We use these prosthetic teeth to improve oral motor functions such as talking and chewing and also improve the aesthetic appearance of a patient's smile. Immediate dentures are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. Take control of your oral health today and call us at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment and see if you are a candidate for immediate dentures.
Immediate Partial and Full Dentures
Immediate dentures are artificial teeth that are placed right after the extraction of natural teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, which are placed six to eight weeks after tooth removal, immediate dentures do not require oral tissue to heal from an extraction before insertion. According to the American Dental Association, immediate dentures can be made to match the size, shape, and color of natural teeth.
Depending upon a patient's individual needs, partial or complete immediate dentures can be made. The practitioner uses partial dentures when the patient only needs one or a few teeth replaced. When all of the natural teeth must be removed due to extensive decay, disease, or injury, then complete dentures become necessary.
“Depending upon a patient’s individual needs, partial or complete immediate dentures can be made.”
When You Should Get Immediate Dentures
A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth while waiting for permanent dentures. For example, a patient with a history of sensitive teeth may prefer to have temporary dentures following an extraction to protect the remaining teeth. The natural teeth will be subject to less pressure while eating as a result of the dentures.
However, the most common reasons for getting immediate dentures, according to the Foundation for Oral Rehabilitation, are aesthetic and social. Many people prefer not to live without teeth while waiting to be ready for complete dentures or implants. Immediate dentures provide a solution to this need.
“A patient may opt for immediate dentures when it would be inconvenient, damaging, or painful to live without teeth.”
Receiving Immediate Dentures
Because they require several preliminary visits, it can take up to five weeks for a dentist to complete the installation process for temporary or immediate dentures. The process will vary slightly depending upon whether the patient requires full or partial dentures. After determining which type of denture will benefit the patient, a dentist performs these steps to place immediate dentures.
- Match dentures to natural teeth: The dentist uses the existing teeth as a template for the dentures. Whether the patient is receiving complete or partial dentures, the artificial teeth are made to resemble the original teeth closely. This results in a more natural appearance.
- Extract damaged teeth: If the patient is getting complete dentures, the back teeth may be extracted several weeks before the front teeth. This gives the gums time to heal before the front teeth are extracted. If partial dentures are required, the dentist extracts only the teeth that are being replaced.
- Place immediate dentures: The dentist casts a mold of the patient’s mouth and uses it to construct the dentures. The prosthetic teeth are then secured into position inside the mouth. Once they are placed, the prosthodontist checks to ensure the dentures fit properly. Adjustments will be made as necessary.
“Because they require several preliminary visits, it can take up to five weeks for a dentist to complete the installation process for temporary or immediate dentures.”
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Benefits of Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures give patients an option to avoid going without teeth for an extended time. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can help advise patients on the benefits and drawbacks of temporary dentures on a case-by-case basis. These are some of the reasons someone may choose to receive immediate dentures:
- Instant results. The most significant benefit for many patients is the lack of a wait. Most people do not want to go a noticeable amount of time without being able to smile. Immediate dentures provide a way to skip the typical several-week wait during permanent denture fabrication.
- More comfortable following extraction. Temporary dentures can provide protection for patients with sensitive teeth or gums, making the recovery period following extraction more comfortable. However, the dentures need to be regularly adjusted to maintain comfort.
- More direct duplication of natural teeth. It is easier for a dentist to more accurately duplicate the shape, color, and arrangement of natural teeth while some are still present—especially significant for complete immediate dentures. For patients who want to preserve the quality of their smiles, this can be a substantial benefit.
“Immediate dentures give patients an option for avoiding going without teeth for an extended time.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Do I need immediate dentures?
Q. What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
Q. What is the difference between immediate dentures and complete dentures?
Q. What is the process of receiving immediate dentures?
Q. What should patients expect after receiving immediate dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. What should new denture wearers expect during the first 30 days?
Q. What are the common types of denture adjustments?
Q. What is the best way to travel with dentures?
What to Expect After Receiving Immediate Dentures
After receiving immediate dentures, it is normal to experience some pain and swelling. Pressing an ice pack against the face and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help alleviate discomfort. Patients should restrict their diet to liquids and soft foods for the first day after receiving their dentures. It is also normal for a patient's bite to be imperfect until the swelling has disappeared in about four to seven days.
After the first 24 hours of wearing immediate dentures, patients can remove their appliance to clean after meals and at night. While immediate dentures allow people to smile with confidence, they are not as precise as conventional dentures. Since it is more difficult to perfect the bite with immediate dentures, relining or remaking the dentures may be necessary.
“Since it is more difficult to perfect the bite with immediate dentures, relining or remaking the dentures may be necessary.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When should temporary dentures be realigned?
A. A patient's gums shift and change shape as they heal from an extraction. This makes it difficult to keep immediate dentures secure after the healing process is complete. Dentures should be realigned several weeks after the initial installation to ensure they are secure and comfortable.
Q. Is the placement of dentures right after extraction painful?
A. Most patients feel sore after the extraction process, but the dentures should not cause significant pain. Minor soreness should be expected while adjusting to the new dentures. Over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol®, Advil®, and Motrin® can help relieve soreness.
Q. How should temporary dentures be cared for?
A. Dentures must be cleaned thoroughly every day, but toothpaste is not recommended. Mild soap and water should be used instead. When they are not being worn, keep temporary dentures in water.
Q. What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
A. The primary benefit is that they improve facial appearance. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and facial muscles to sag. Dentures remedy these problems while making it easier for patients to perform basic oral motor functions such as chewing and talking. According to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, immediate dentures also reduce the bleeding that occurs after tooth extraction and protect oral tissues as they heal.
Q. What should patients expect after receiving immediate dentures?
A. Patients can expect an improved facial appearance after receiving them, but they should also anticipate an adjustment period. Speech may be difficult at first, and gums may be sore for a few days. The dentures will also need adjustments several times within the first few weeks to ensure a comfortable fit.
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Denture Terminology
Learn More About Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are a great way to avoid the physical and social discomfort of missing teeth. Our team is ready to help you determine if this is a good option for you. Call Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles at (713) 979-4127 to set up an appointment in Houston and learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
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