Immediate dentures

Question 1

What is an immediate denture?

Answer 1

• Any removable dental prosthesis fabricated for placement immediately following removal of natural tooth/teeth

Question 2

What are some advantages of immediate denture?

Answer 2

• Aesthetics
• Speech
• Avoid drifting/tilting/overeruption of remaining teeth (partials)
• Post-extraction healing
• Ridge form preservation
• Prevent collapse of facial musculature

Question 3

Disadvantages of immediate denture?

Answer 3

• Temporary prothesis due to resorption of alveolar bone so need to manage expectations
• Ongoing maintenance needed
• Increased cost and patient visits
• Undercut areas problematic as no bone resorption at time of extraction (full flange, half-flange and gum-fitted)

Question 4

What are some potential contraindications of immediate denture?

Answer 4

• Some ORN/MRONJ areas
• Sometimes pre-chemo/radiotherapy
• Pathological issue like large cysts
• Fracture of maxilla or mandible
• Dementia pt

Question 5

What is the initial aftercare of immediate dentures?

Answer 5

• Dentures to be kept in for 24hrs and give post op instructions
• Review appointment soon after extraction
• Remove dentures and examine mouth for healthy clots and identify areas of inflammation
• After 24hrs advise warm saline mouthwash and remove denture at meal times, rinse mouth and clean denture with soft toothbrush soap and water

Question 6

When do you review an immediate denture?

Answer 6

• Review after 1-2 weeks
• Review after 1 month
• Usually replace at 6 months to 1 year depending on rate of resorption

Question 7

When is one stage immediate denture used for?

Answer 7

• To replace one or two anterior teeth e.g. trauma/ abscess/ root fracture