Immediate Dentures

An Immediate Denture Restoration is a specialized prosthesis designed to be placed immediately after the extraction of a patient’s teeth, providing an instant replacement and preventing the patient from experiencing an edentulous (toothless) period. This type of denture allows patients to maintain their appearance and oral function while their gums and jawbone heal after tooth extraction. Immediate dentures are typically a temporary solution, worn during the healing process until a more permanent denture can be made.

Immediate dentures require precise planning and fabrication by the dental lab, as the denture must be prepared before the extractions take place. They are crafted from durable materials such as acrylic resin and denture teeth, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural appearance. Adjustments may be required during the healing phase as the gums and bone change shape after tooth loss.

Immediate Denture Restoration Specifications for Dental Lab

1. Pre-Extraction Impressions

• Materials: Initial impressions are taken using high-precision materials like polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) or alginate to capture the current state of the patient’s teeth and gums.
• Objective: Obtain accurate impressions of the patient’s oral anatomy before tooth extraction, allowing for the creation of a denture that fits immediately after surgery.

2. Bite Registration and Jaw Relations

• Wax Rims: Custom wax occlusion rims are used to record the patient’s vertical dimension and bite alignment before tooth extraction.
• Objective: Ensure proper occlusion and bite registration in the immediate denture for comfort and function after extraction.

3. Tooth Selection

• Material: High-quality acrylic or composite resin denture teeth are selected based on shade, size, and shape that best match the patient’s natural teeth.
• Customization: The teeth are chosen to replicate the patient’s natural smile and facial aesthetics.
• Objective: Provide a natural-looking denture that maintains the patient’s appearance immediately after extractions.

4. Trial Setup (if possible)

• Wax Setup: If feasible, a wax try-in is conducted to verify the fit, appearance, and bite alignment before finalizing the denture.
• Adjustments: Any changes to tooth placement, aesthetics, or occlusion can be made at this stage if time allows before the extractions.
• Objective: Ensure patient satisfaction and accurate fit before proceeding to final denture fabrication.

5. Immediate Denture Fabrication

• Base Material: The denture base is fabricated from durable, heat-cured acrylic resin to provide strength, comfort, and biocompatibility.
• Tooth Setup: Denture teeth are positioned in the acrylic base according to the pre-extraction setup to ensure proper alignment and aesthetics.
• Objective: Craft a strong, well-fitting denture that can be worn immediately after tooth extraction, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

6. Final Adjustments and Trimming

• Post-Processing: After the denture is processed and polymerized, excess material is trimmed by hand to ensure a comfortable fit along the gumline.
• Polishing: The denture is hand-polished to provide a smooth finish and a natural shine, enhancing comfort and appearance.
• Objective: Deliver a polished, comfortable denture that is ready for immediate use after extractions.

7. Post-Insertion Adjustments

• Relining and Fit Modifications: Due to changes in the patient’s gums and bone after extraction, the immediate denture may require relining or adjustments to maintain a proper fit during the healing process.
• Objective: Accommodate the changing shape of the patient’s oral anatomy, ensuring continued comfort and function throughout the healing period.

8. Healing and Transition

• Temporary Nature: Immediate dentures are intended as a temporary solution during the healing phase. After several months, once healing is complete, a more permanent denture or other restorative solution is fabricated.
• Follow-Up: The dental lab works closely with the dentist to monitor the fit and function of the denture, making necessary adjustments as the patient’s gums heal.
• Objective: Ensure that the patient has a functional and aesthetic denture during the healing period, transitioning smoothly to a permanent solution when appropriate.

Immediate Denture Characteristics

• Material:
  • Base: High-strength, heat-cured acrylic resin, providing durability, comfort, and biocompatibility.
  • Teeth: Acrylic or composite resin denture teeth, chosen for their natural appearance and wear resistance.
• Fit & Comfort:
  • Custom Fit: Fabricated based on pre-extraction impressions to ensure the denture fits as accurately as possible immediately after extractions.
  • Adjustability: Designed for ease of modification, allowing for relining or trimming as the patient’s oral anatomy changes during healing.
• Aesthetic Appeal:
  • Natural Appearance: Teeth are selected and arranged to closely resemble the patient’s natural teeth, maintaining facial aesthetics and self-confidence.
  • Gum Tinting: The acrylic base is tinted to match the color of natural gums, ensuring a lifelike appearance.
• Functionality:
  • Immediate Use: The denture is placed immediately after extractions, allowing the patient to maintain their ability to speak, chew, and smile without interruption.
  • Speech and Chewing: Designed to provide functional support for speaking and chewing, though adjustments may be needed during the healing phase.
• Durability:
  • Temporary Strength: While the denture is built to withstand daily use, it is intended as a temporary solution during healing and may require periodic adjustments.
  • Longevity: With proper care, immediate dentures can provide functional support until a more permanent solution is available.
• Bite Alignment:
  • Balanced Occlusion: The denture is crafted to provide balanced occlusion and bite alignment, ensuring efficient chewing and reducing stress on the gums.
• Customization:
  • Tooth Selection: The denture’s teeth can be customized in terms of shape, shade, and size to match the patient’s natural teeth and smile.
  • Gum Contours: The denture base is shaped to mimic the natural contours of the patient’s gums for comfort and a natural look.
• Maintenance:
  • Removable for Cleaning: The immediate denture is designed to be easily removable for cleaning and care, promoting good oral hygiene.
  • Routine Adjustments: As the patient’s gums heal and shrink, the denture will require regular adjustments to maintain a comfortable fit.

The Immediate Denture Restoration allows dental labs to deliver an immediate, functional, and aesthetically pleasing solution for patients following tooth extraction. By providing a well-crafted, customized denture, patients can maintain their oral function and appearance throughout the healing period, ensuring a smooth transition to their permanent restoration.