Pros & Cons of Immediate Dentures After Tooth Extraction

When considering an Immediate Denture in Penge, it’s natural to wonder whether getting dentures straight after tooth removal is the right decision. Immediate dentures can restore your smile instantly, but they also come with unique challenges during the healing phase. At Green Lane Dental Centre, we help patients make confident decisions that balance appearance, comfort, and long-term oral health.
What Are Immediate Dentures?
An Immediate Denture in Penge is a temporary denture fitted on the same day as your tooth extraction. Unlike traditional dentures, which are placed after gums have healed, immediate dentures fill the gap immediately, helping you leave the dental chair with a complete smile.
Your dentist will take impressions of your mouth before extraction, allowing the denture to be ready once the teeth are removed. This approach is especially beneficial for patients undergoing teeth extractions in Penge who wish to maintain appearance and function without waiting several months.
The Advantages of Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are often the preferred choice for patients seeking fast results and minimal downtime. Here are the key benefits:
1. Instant Smile Restoration
With an Immediate Denture in Penge, there’s no period of being without teeth. You can speak, smile, and eat with confidence immediately after your procedure.
2. Protection for Healing Gums
The denture acts as a protective barrier, shielding extraction sites from food debris and bacteria. It can also help control bleeding and reduce swelling.
3. Maintains Facial Structure
Tooth loss can cause facial sagging over time. Immediate dentures help maintain your facial appearance and muscle tone during the healing process.
4. Easier Transition to Permanent Dentures
By wearing temporary dentures from the start, you can adjust to how dentures feel and function, making it easier to adapt once your permanent set is fitted.
The Drawbacks of Immediate Dentures
While convenient, immediate dentures have some downsides that you should consider before treatment.
1. Fit Adjustments Are Common
As your gums and jawbone heal, they naturally shrink. This can cause your denture to become loose, requiring frequent relining or refitting by your dentist near me.
2. Additional Costs
Because you’ll eventually need a permanent denture, this two-step process can increase the overall treatment cost. Green Lane Dental Centre offers tailored plans to make the process transparent and manageable.
3. Limited Customisation
Immediate dentures are made before your final gum shape forms, so achieving a perfect long-term fit initially can be difficult. Adjustments help refine comfort and aesthetics over time.
4. Temporary Discomfort
Some patients experience mild soreness or difficulty eating during the first few weeks. This is normal and improves as your mouth heals.
What to Expect During the Procedure
If you’re preparing for teeth extractions in Penge, your journey to immediate dentures usually follows these steps:
-
Consultation: Your dentist examines your oral health and discusses your options.
-
Impressions: Moulds of your mouth are taken before extraction.
-
Tooth Removal: Teeth are extracted under local anaesthetic.
-
Denture Fitting: The immediate denture is placed immediately after extraction.
-
Follow-Up Visits: Your dentist checks healing progress and adjusts the denture fit as needed.
Patients often appreciate how seamless the process feels — especially when guided by an experienced dentist near me like those at Green Lane Dental Centre.
How Long Do Immediate Dentures Last?
Immediate dentures are a temporary solution, typically worn for three to six months while your gums stabilise. Once the healing process is complete, your dentist will replace or reline them with permanent dentures that fit perfectly.
Regular reviews at your dental clinic in Penge ensure that your dentures remain comfortable and functional throughout this transition.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Immediate Dentures?
Immediate dentures are ideal for patients who:
-
Need multiple extractions and want to avoid being without teeth
-
Have good overall oral health
-
Can commit to regular follow-up appointments
-
Want to maintain confidence and function during healing
Your dentist near me will perform a full assessment, including X-rays, to confirm if this option suits your dental and aesthetic goals.
Aftercare and Recovery
Caring for your mouth and dentures properly ensures smooth healing:
-
Keep dentures in for the first 24 hours unless advised otherwise
-
Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals
-
Eat soft foods during the early recovery phase
-
Clean dentures daily to prevent plaque build-up
-
Attend all follow-up visits at your dental clinic in Penge
Good hygiene and professional care help prevent infections and ensure the best long-term results.
Immediate Dentures vs. Traditional Dentures
| Feature | Immediate Dentures | Traditional Dentures |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted | Same day as extraction | After gums heal (6–12 weeks) |
| Appearance | Instant smile restoration | Delayed placement |
| Comfort | May require adjustments | Typically more stable fit |
| Cost | Slightly higher (two stages) | One-time cost |
| Healing Support | Acts as protective barrier | Healing occurs before fitting |
Both options have their place — the right choice depends on your needs, healing timeline, and aesthetic expectations.
The Verdict: Are Immediate Dentures Worth It?
If maintaining appearance and function after tooth removal is important to you, Immediate Denture in Penge treatment is an excellent solution. While adjustments are expected, the emotional and practical benefits often outweigh the temporary drawbacks.
At Green Lane Dental Centre, our experienced team provides customised denture care, ensuring a comfortable fit and confident smile from day one.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Immediate Dentures?
According to WebMD, it usually takes a few weeks for most people to get used to speaking and eating with new dentures. Practising daily, starting with soft foods, and following your dentist’s care instructions can help you adapt faster.
Read the Full Article (Source: WebMD)
Final Thoughts
Choosing an Immediate Denture in Penge offers instant results and protection for healing gums after extraction. Whether you’re replacing one tooth or several, our dentist near me at Green Lane Dental Centre can guide you through every step — from initial consultation to your perfect permanent dentures.