Surgical Dentures / Immediate DEntures
Surgical dentures (also known as immediate dentures) are removable prosthetic devices that are used for patients that are transitioning from their natural teeth to becoming edentulous (no natural teeth present).
Surgical dentures are fabricated before patients have their natural teeth extracted. In order for dentures to be crafted, it takes 1-2 record taking appointments before a patient's extraction date with their dentist/oral surgeon.
Surgical dentures are a transitional treatment, and is not a long term solution. After healing patients will have to either have a reline to convert their surgical denture, or have new dentures made. Due to the nature of these prosthetics, practitioners are not able to preview the function or aesthetic of these dentures and deficiencies can appear with new surgical dentures.
Appointments
Surgical Dentures need the following appointments* to complete treatment:
Consultation, Exam, Preliminary Impressions, Bite Records
Final Impressions/ Bite Record (if required)
Pick up dentures before extraction appt with dentist/oral surgeon
24 hour post operation check up and adjustments
First tissue conditioner placement (2-4 weeks after extractions)
Continue placing tissue conditioners until gums have stabilized and healed (the first 2 tissue conditioners are included with tx)
Reline denture, or move onto second phase of treatment (6 to 14 months after extractions)
*This is an estimated appointment timeline that can lead to fewer, or more appointments as needed.
All denture prosthetics need regular maintenance and is required to maintain your oral health.
The dentures are given to the patient prior to surgery. Commonly the dentist will insert the dentures after the teeth are extracted. A post surgery appointment will be booked with your denturist after a patient's extractions.
In some situations your dentist may request after surgery that you do not wear your denture due to the nature of your surgery. This should always be honored and you should inform your denturist at your post operation check up.
After patients have their natural teeth removed, healing occurs to the bone and gums.
It takes five years for complete healing to occur. The most dramatic changes occur in the mouth within the first year after being edentulous. The tissue conditioner is placed 2-4 weeks after the surgery sites have healed and closed up. Tissue conditioners are used for 9-12 months after the extraction date to compensate for these changes to the gums. Tissues conditioners are replaced every 2-4 months to ensure the denture is fitting and functioning properly during the healing process. The first two tissue conditioners are included in your surgical denture treatment.