Immediate Dentures Federal Way, WA
Immediate dentures, also known as temporary dentures, offer patients a chance to correct missing or extracted teeth without the wait. Dentists use this procedure to help people benefit from the form and function of dentures right away. Immediate dentures are an alternative to conventional dentures that can be placed directly after a tooth extraction procedure.
Immediate dentures are available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. We use this procedure after a patient's teeth are lost or require removal. Such dentures are often used as placeholders while waiting on conventional dentures.
Do not wait to correct your missing teeth. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to set up an appointment and learn if immediate dentures are right for you.
How Immediate Dentures Differ From Complete Dentures
Both conventional, complete dentures, and immediate dentures are custom-made for patients using a mold of their mouth. Full dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.
While this means immediate dentures may be made ready in advance, it also means the fit may be less than ideal. The gums and jaw may change shape following extraction as they heal, which may mean that the temporary dentures will require further adjustments. Immediate dentures may also be less affordable in many cases.
“Complete dentures are molded to the mouth after tooth extraction, and immediate dentures are molded before the extraction.”
When to Get Immediate Dentures
Not only do missing teeth make chewing and speech difficult for some persons, but they can also cause facial muscles to sag. Since this can drastically alter the appearance of the face, it is important to get dentures placed quickly when one or more teeth are missing. Immediate dentures are a temporary solution for missing teeth after tooth extraction.
Patients who get immediate dentures can leave their dental appointment with their smile intact, which is beneficial for their confidence and oral health. This simple and effective solution protects the patient's tissue and extraction sites to reduce bleeding and injury. Immediate dentures can also ensure that the surrounding teeth do not shift.
“Patients who get immediate dentures can leave their dental appointment with their smile intact, which is beneficial for their confidence and oral health.”
The Immediate Dentures Process
The process of getting immediate dentures is similar in many ways to getting conventional dentures. The dentist makes a mold of the oral cavity and uses the mold to create the dentures.
The immediate dentures process differs primarily due to when it happens: before the tooth extraction. According to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, it may take four to five visits to complete the fabrication process. The process involves making impressions, selecting teeth, and, in some cases, trying on the back teeth.
“The process of getting immediate dentures is similar in many ways to getting conventional dentures.”
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Benefits of Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures give patients an option to avoid going without teeth for an extended time. Smile Center Dental Care 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. What is the difference between immediate dentures and complete dentures?
Q. What is it like to get immediate dentures?
Q. What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
Q. When should a patient get immediate dentures?
Q. What should patients expect after receiving immediate dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. What is the process of getting partial dentures?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. When do I need immediate dentures?
Q. What are some tips to help adjust to new 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.
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 Smile Center Dental Care at (253) 336-0023 to set up an appointment in Federal Way and learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
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