Immediate Dentures: What to Expect

Immediate dentures are prosthetic teeth inserted immediately after tooth extraction, allowing patients to leave the dental surgery with a complete smile. They provide several benefits, including maintaining appearance, protecting extraction sites, and supporting facial structure during healing.

Patients can expect some swelling, discomfort, and minor bleeding in the first few days. Pain is typically manageable with prescribed medications. Because the gums and bone will shrink as they heal, immediate dentures may feel loose or uncomfortable after a few weeks. Regular adjustments or temporary linings (soft relines) are often necessary to maintain fit and comfort during this phase.

Eating and speaking may be challenging at first. Patients are encouraged to start with soft foods and practice speaking aloud to adapt more quickly. Good oral hygiene is essential—even with dentures—especially around healing gums to prevent infection.

These dentures are usually a temporary solution. After about 6–12 months, once the gums have fully healed and stabilised, a new set of conventional dentures may be made for a more accurate, long-term fit. Patients should attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustments. Clear communication with the dental prosthetist ensures a smoother transition and a more comfortable experience overall.

Before and after shots of a patient at Brighton Dentures. The image shows how immediate dentures can complete a smile, maintain appearance and support facial structure during healing.