Pros and Cons of Immediate Dentures

Replacing missing teeth is important for your overall health, regardless of whether you’ve lost teeth due to decay, trauma, or some other issue. Replacing your teeth allows you to chew properly, speak clearly, avoid further decay, and feel comfortable smiling.

Dr. Stephen Hiroshige offers several different tooth replacement options, including implants, crowns and bridges, and multiple types of dentures. If the decision seems overwhelming, don’t worry. Dr. Hiroshige and his staff can help you understand what’s involved in each method of tooth replacement and answer any questions you may have. 

Immediate vs permanent dentures

You may be wondering about the difference between immediate dentures and conventional dentures. Immediate dentures are put in your mouth immediately after your teeth are extracted; conventional dentures, which are also called permanent dentures, are custom-made to fit your mouth and may take several weeks to be ready.

Some people prefer to let their gums heal without dentures while they wait for their permanent dentures to be prepared. Others are more comfortable wearing immediate dentures.

Pros of immediate dentures

Whether you’re replacing one or two teeth or you’re getting a full set of dentures, you may want to consider immediate dentures. A few benefits of immediate dentures include: 

• Your gums are protected while they heal.
• You may experience less bleeding. 
• You get immediate dentures the day of extraction.
• The immediate dentures fill gaps right away.
• You don’t have to go without teeth for any period of time.

Even if the teeth you’re replacing are in the back of your mouth and not easily visible, you may want to consider using an immediate denture to protect your gums.

Cons of immediate dentures

Along with the benefits of immediate dentures, you may also experience some drawbacks. We usually think the pros outweigh the cons, but you should be aware of the cons, which include: 

• They may slip and move because immediate dentures aren’t as customized as your permanent ones will be.
• You’ll need to have them adjusted over time.
• You may have some soreness as you adjust.
• They are only supposed to last four to eight months—until your permanent dentures are ready.

Get personalized recommendations

Your mouth is unique, and you deserve individual attention. Dr. Hiroshige makes recommendations based on your health, your preferences, and many other factors.

Most patients who get dentures are ultimately quite satisfied with them. However, it is important to understand what to expect, the timeline involved, and what your options are. 

If you’re considering dentures, schedule an appointment with Dr. Hiroshige. He’s happy to answer your questions and provide treatment suggestions tailored to your individual situation.