No, you do not have to go without teeth while you wait for dentures. Immediate dentures can be placed the same day your teeth are removed, so you have teeth while your gums heal and your permanent dentures are made.
Reviewed by Dr. Harsh Patel, general dentist at Next Care Dental with advanced training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Do I have to go without teeth while waiting for dentures?
No. Most people can get immediate dentures, which go in on the same day the teeth are pulled. You leave the office with teeth and wear them while your gums heal. A partial denture or a temporary denture, sometimes called a flipper, may also work. Your dentist will help you pick the best option for you.
Losing teeth can be hard, both physically and emotionally. The good news is that there are several ways to keep your smile while your dentures are being made.
How long does it take to get dentures?
Getting dentures is a step-by-step process that can take several weeks to a few months. If teeth need to be removed first, your gums and jawbone usually need 4 to 6 weeks to heal. During this time, your dentist takes impressions and measurements so your final dentures fit well and look natural.
You do not have to go without teeth during this healing time. Immediate dentures are a great choice if you want to keep your smile while you heal.
What are immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are temporary dentures that are put in on the same day your teeth are removed. They give you teeth right away. They also protect your gums, help reduce bleeding, and let you practice talking and chewing with dentures. You wear them until your permanent dentures are ready, usually a few months later.
Immediate dentures are placed right after your tooth extraction, so you never have to leave the office without teeth.
What are the benefits of immediate dentures?
The biggest benefit is that you are never seen without teeth. Immediate dentures keep your smile and help support your face so it does not sag. They protect your gums while they heal. They also help you get used to wearing dentures early, which makes the switch to your permanent set easier.
- They keep your smile and help keep your face muscles from sagging
- You do not have to feel self-conscious around other people
- They protect your gums while they heal
- They help you get used to wearing dentures early
What are the downsides of immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures need more adjustments because your gums shrink as they heal. Over time they may feel loose and need to be adjusted again, which can make them cost more overall. They are also only a short-term solution. Most people replace them with permanent dentures after about 6 to 8 months.
- They can cost more because they may need extra adjustments while your gums heal
- As your gums shrink, the fit can loosen and need frequent adjustments
- They are short-term and need to be replaced after 6 to 8 months
What should I do while I wait for my permanent dentures?
Go to all of your follow-up visits so your dentist can make sure your gums are healing well. Follow your dentist’s directions for caring for your gums to avoid infection or delays. Ask whether immediate dentures, partial dentures, or another option best fits your needs and budget.
- Book regular checkups so your gums heal on time and your treatment is not delayed
- Follow your dentist’s advice for caring for your gums
- Ask whether immediate dentures, partial dentures or another option is best for you
Not sure which option is right for you? Next Care Dental can walk you through your choices, including a temporary denture (a flipper) or a faster timeline for your permanent dentures. Book an appointment online.
No. Immediate dentures can be placed the same day your teeth are removed, so you have teeth while you heal and your permanent dentures are made.
Immediate dentures are placed on the same day as your tooth extraction.
If you need teeth removed, your gums and jawbone usually need 4 to 6 weeks to heal.
Immediate dentures are a short-term solution. They usually need to be replaced after 6 to 8 months.
Your gums shrink as they heal, so the dentures may not fit as well over time. Your dentist adjusts them to keep them comfortable.
Call or text (713) 952-0522, Next Care Dental, 9650 Westheimer Rd, Suite 100.