Smile Right Away: No Need to Go Without Teeth After Extraction!

Lose a Tooth, Not Your Smile: The Power of Immediate Dentures

If you're about to have one or more teeth removed, you may have heard your dentist mention immediate dentures. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from regular dentures?

Let’s break it down in a clear and friendly way so you can feel confident about your next steps.

What Are Immediate Dentures?

Immediate dentures are a type of denture that is placed right after your natural teeth are removed — as the name suggests, they’re immediate!

Instead of waiting weeks or even months for your gums to heal before getting dentures (as with conventional dentures), immediate dentures help you walk out of the clinic the same day with a full or partial smile.

Why Would Someone Choose Immediate Dentures?

There are several reasons why patients and dentists opt for immediate dentures:

✅ No “toothless” period – You won’t have to go without teeth while your gums heal.

✅ Maintain appearance and confidence – It can be emotionally easier to adjust to tooth loss when you still have a visible smile.

✅ Protect healing tissues – The denture acts as a bandage, helping to protect extraction sites and reduce bleeding.

✅ Help with eating and speaking – Although there’s an adjustment period, immediate dentures can help you get back to daily activities sooner.

What’s the Process Like?

Here’s a simplified look at how getting immediate dentures usually works:

1. Initial Exam & Impressions - Your dentist will examine your mouth and take impressions before any teeth are removed. These molds are used to make your custom dentures.

2. Tooth Extraction & Denture Placement - On the day of your tooth extraction, your dentures will be ready and placed immediately after the procedure. You’ll leave the office with a complete smile.

3. Healing & Adjustments - Over the next few weeks and months, your gums and bone will naturally shrink as they heal. This means your immediate dentures may need to be adjusted, relined, or in some cases, replaced with a permanent set later.

   
   

Are There Any Downsides?

Like any dental solution, immediate dentures come with a few considerations:

🔹 Fit may change – Because your mouth changes shape as it heals, the dentures may become loose over time.

🔹 More follow-up visits – You’ll need regular check-ins for adjustments.

🔹 Not a final solution – Think of them as a temporary phase; many people eventually get a more permanent set of dentures or explore other options like implants.

Is It Painful?

The extraction part will involve some discomfort, but your dentist will use local anesthesia to make it as painless as possible. Afterward, you may experience mild soreness or swelling — which is completely normal and can be managed with medications and proper care.

The denture itself may feel a bit bulky or strange at first, but most patients adjust with time.

Caring for Immediate Dentures

Good care is key to a healthy mouth and long-lasting dentures:

🦷 Remove and clean your dentures daily.

🦷 Rinse your mouth gently, especially after meals.

🦷 Follow your dentist’s instructions for wearing and soaking them overnight.

🦷 Stick to soft foods at first, then gradually reintroduce solids.

Final Thoughts

Immediate dentures can be a life-changing solution if you're losing teeth and want to avoid the emotional and functional impact of going without them. While they’re not a permanent fix, they provide an essential bridge during the healing period — helping you smile, eat, and speak with confidence.

If you're considering immediate dentures or just exploring your options, talk with your dentist. They’ll guide you based on your unique situation, health, and smile goals.

Need help deciding if immediate dentures are right for you?

Schedule a consultation with our friendly Stonegate Denture Clinic team at (416) 878-9353 — we’re here to support your smile every step of the way!