The impression is made with the remaining teeth in place in the mouth. In the lab a stone model is made from the impression, the teeth are trimmed from the model and the gum area of the stone model is contoured to the shape that is anticipated after the teeth are removed from the mouth. The immediate denture is then fabricated on this modified reshaped stone model.
Prior to tooth removal and denture insertion, the denture teeth replacing the teeth in areas where teeth are already missing are set-up in wax and evaluated in the mouth for shape, color and bite (occlusion). It should be noted that often back teeth have been removed and the gums have been allowed to heal prior to taking the impression for the immediate denture.
Allowing supporting areas of the gums to heal prior to immediate denture fabrication and appropriate contouring of the stone cast allows for increased comfort with the immediate denture. Also, even though the denture is placed immediately after extraction of the remaining teeth, the denture acts as a splint to help minimize swelling and discomfort.
Of course, there can always be discomfort related to extractions and sore areas related to a denture; however, the patient and denture are usually seen within 24-48 hours of immediate denture insertion to evaluate for areas of discomfort and relief of sore spots.
A soft liner is placed inside the immediate denture to cushion and prevent discomfort as healing occurs. Patients have had removal of teeth (oral surgery) and full dentures that covers the entire palate on the upper in one visit. This can be challenging to get used too, although patients manage.
After the mouth heals, final dentures are made. The immediate dentures provide valuable information to the dentist in construction of the final dentures, such as the proper height, face form, esthetics and speech.
Patients need to give time to get used to immediate dentures. There are usually more adjustments with them compared with final dentures.
It is more getting used to immediate dentures. The discomfort comes more from difficult extractions.
When dentists fabricate immediate dentures, there are some assumptions on where the healing gums and bone from the extraction sites will eventually stabilize. The more teeth to be extracted, the more assumptions need to be made. Therefore, it is common that the dentures do not fit "perfectly" right away and often they will need to be adjusted periodically until full healing has occurred (6 months). It is best to stage the extractions in order to minimize this transitional period.
Many people find the adjustment of going from teeth to dentures difficult. The use of implants to support the dentures dramatically increases the support and chewing efficiency of dentures, offers the patient confidence that the teeth will not "fall out" during social situations, and also will minimize any discomfort associated with the dentures. Implants also have the added benefit of helping to maintain jaw bone.
Immediate dentures can take time to get used to. During the adjustment period there can be some degree of discomfort but this is usually resolved during several follow up adjustment visits to your dentist. An implant supported denture is a better alternative to permanent full dentures.
Talk with the dentist about your pain threshold and get recommendations on how to alleviate further discomfort. Your dentist may recommend taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or prescribe a pain medication for you to take for a few days.
Continue Learning about Dentures
Dentures

Dentures are false teeth used to replace natural teeth. There are two types of dentures: complete dentures, which can be used for the upper or lower jaw (or both if needed), and partial dentures, which replace only some teeth.
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.