Immediate Dentures — Replacement Teeth on the Day of Extraction
An immediate denture is fitted on the same day that teeth are removed, so you do not leave the practice without teeth. At Sandgate Family Dental we use immediate dentures for patients who need extractions in visible parts of the mouth and prefer not to wait through the healing period before having a denture made.
If you have been told you need several extractions and you would like to understand the options for a same-day denture, book an appointment online for a calm, unhurried discussion. We see patients from Sandgate, Brighton, Bracken Ridge, Shorncliffe, and the surrounding northern Brisbane suburbs.
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What an immediate denture is
An immediate denture is a full or partial denture made before the remaining teeth are extracted, using impressions of your mouth while the teeth are still in place. On the day of extraction, the teeth are removed and the denture is placed straight away. You walk out with teeth that look and function like a normal denture from day one.
Because the denture is made before extractions take place, it is essentially a “best estimate” based on impressions taken beforehand. As the gums heal and shrink in the weeks that follow, the fit changes — which is why immediate dentures are usually planned with a reline or a definitive denture later in the journey.
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When an immediate denture may be suggested
If you have already had teeth out and the gums have healed, a conventional full denture or partial denture may be more straightforward.
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Benefits of an immediate denture
An immediate denture is a transitional appliance. The fit will change as the gums heal, and one or more relines — and sometimes a new definitive denture — are usually planned from the outset.
Appointment
The healing process and what to expect
Because the gums and underlying bone reshape after extractions, the way an immediate denture fits will not stay the same in the first few months.
Week 1
The denture acts as a protective cover over the extraction sites. You will be reviewed shortly after fitting to check healing, ease any sore spots, and confirm the bite. Expect some swelling and mild discomfort, which is normal after extractions.
Weeks 2–6
The gums shrink as healing progresses, which is normal and expected. The denture often starts to feel looser or to need minor adjustments. Soft tissue conditioners or temporary relines may be used at this stage to maintain a comfortable fit.
Months 3–6
The bone and gums continue to settle. By around three to six months the ridge has usually stabilised enough for a definitive reline or, in some cases, a new permanent denture to be made on the healed ridge.
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Reline or new denture — what comes next?
After healing, there are two common pathways depending on how the immediate denture has held up and your priorities.
A definitive reline
The fitting surface of the immediate denture is rebuilt to match the healed ridge. This is generally a single-visit or short-turnaround treatment and is usually the most economical option. See relining and repairs for more detail.
A new definitive denture
A fresh denture is made on the healed ridge using new impressions. This is sometimes preferable if the teeth on the immediate denture have worn, the bite needs to be set differently, or you would like to refine the appearance.
Either way, we will talk through the choice at the planning stage so there are no surprises.
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The visit-by-visit process
1. Consultation and planning
We assess the teeth that need to come out, the gums and ridges, and talk through whether an immediate denture is the right approach. If a few back teeth can be retained or extracted first for healing, that is sometimes a preferable plan.
2. Impressions and bite records
We take detailed impressions and record how your jaws meet, before extractions take place. The laboratory uses these to construct the denture.
3. Try-in (when possible)
Where possible we will trial the wax setup so you can preview the look. In some immediate cases the natural teeth limit a full try-in, but we still review tooth shade and shape.
4. Extraction and denture placement
On the day, the planned teeth are removed and the immediate denture is fitted straight away. Instructions for the first 24 hours are given verbally and in writing.
5. Review and adjustments
Short review visits are planned in the days and weeks after fitting to ease pressure points, manage healing, and refine the bite.
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First-day instructions
Some swelling, mild bruising, and tenderness in the first few days is normal. Persistent or worsening pain, ongoing bleeding, or a sore spot that is not improving should be reviewed.
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Who immediate dentures may suit
If the teeth being removed are not in the visible smile zone, or if you are happy to wait through healing, a conventional denture or another option such as dental implants may be worth discussing.
Payment
Health funds and payment
We are a HICAPS provider. Where you have eligible dental cover, we can process your health fund claim at the practice and you only pay any gap. The rebate depends on your individual policy and annual limits — your fund can confirm what is covered. We provide an itemised plan with item numbers so you can check entitlements before treatment, and payment plan options are available for larger treatment.
Useful background: health funds and major dental cover.
FAQs
Immediate denture FAQs
Will the denture look like my own teeth?
We aim for a natural appearance that suits your face, lips, and existing smile. Tooth shade and shape are discussed at the planning visit. Because the denture is made before extractions, the final appearance is mostly judged from impressions and photos rather than a full traditional try-in.
Will I be in a lot of pain after fitting?
Most patients describe the first few days as similar to recovering from extractions, with the denture helping to support the area. Pain relief and clear post-operative instructions are provided.
How long until I get used to it?
Speech, chewing, and lip support usually start to feel more natural within a few weeks. Because the gums are also healing during that time, the denture itself will change in fit — minor adjustments are normal.
Why do I need a reline after a few months?
Gums and bone shrink as they heal. A reline restores a snug fit on the new, settled ridge and helps the denture stay comfortable and stable.
Is an immediate denture cheaper than waiting?
An immediate denture and a definitive reline together can be similar in total cost to a conventional denture made after healing. The main reason to choose immediate is so that you are not without teeth, rather than the cost itself.
Can immediate dentures be partial as well as full?
Yes. Immediate partials are sometimes made when several visible teeth are being removed but other natural teeth remain in the arch.
Can I still consider implants later?
Often yes. Many patients move from an immediate denture to a definitive denture, and some later choose implant-supported dentures or other implant solutions once healing is complete.
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Speak to our team
If you have been told you need several extractions and are weighing up an immediate denture, we can guide you through it without pressure. Book an appointment online or call the practice during opening hours.
Related pages
Related pages
Plan your dentures.
We’ll walk you through the options at a consult.
Or phone Sandgate Family Dental on (07) 3269 6252.