Temporary or immediate dentures after tooth removal

Provisional dentures, also called immediate or temporary dentures, provide a short-term solution to meet your dental needs while you are waiting for your mouth to heal after having decayed teeth removed by your dentist. Going without teeth during these months can be an inconvenience in terms of function (difficulty eating) and your appearance – especially if you are losing teeth in your smile zone. 

If your dentist suggests provisional dentures, it’s important to know what to expect.

The main advantage of a provisional denture is that you don’t have to have gaps in your smile after having teeth removed. A provisional denture can also protect your gums during the healing process and help to minimise gum bleeding. A provisional denture is made before your teeth are removed and will be placed by your dentist on the same day as you lose your natural teeth. This means you’ll have teeth while your gums heal and until your mouth is ready for your permanent denture to be made.

However, a main disadvantage is that provisional dentures may require more frequent adjustments as your mouth heals and any swelling subsides. By the time your mouth completely heals – it is expected that the provisional denture may no longer fit. For this reason, they can only be considered a temporary solution. Only after your mouth has fully healed, will your dental prosthetist be able to create your permanent denture.

Immediate dentures are comparable in price to permanent dentures. The cost of relines can be an additional expense. Not everyone is a good candidate for immediate dentures. Cost can be a prohibiting factor, or your dentist may advise against immediate dentures depending on your general health and oral health. If immediate dentures are a treatment option for you, it’s really important to first talk to your dentist about the procedure and what to expect.