Immediate dentures — teeth fitted on the day of extraction

Key facts

• Fitted straight after extractions — no gap
• Protects the sockets during early healing
• Gums shrink most in the first 3–6 months
• Relines and often a final denture are expected
• Useful as transitional teeth during implant treatment

How immediate dentures are planned

Before any teeth are removed, the dentist takes impressions or digital scans, bite records, photos and measurements, and discusses the shape, shade and position of the new teeth. The laboratory then removes the teeth that are due for extraction from the model and sets denture teeth in their place, so the denture is ready on extraction day. Because the actual teeth are still in your mouth, a full try-in of the final appearance is not possible in those areas, so planning relies on careful records and your preferences. Any other dental problems are reviewed first, and medical history and medicines are checked before extractions.

Extraction day and the first week

The teeth are removed under local anaesthesia and the immediate denture is placed straight away. It acts like a protective cover over the sockets and helps control bleeding. You are usually asked to keep the denture in for the first 24 hours or as instructed, then remove it gently for cleaning. Swelling and soreness are normal for several days, and speech and eating will feel unusual. Soft foods, cut small, are recommended. A review within a few days allows sore spots to be adjusted. Persistent bleeding, increasing swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing need prompt contact with the clinic or urgent care.

Why relines are needed

After extractions, the gum and underlying bone shrink and reshape over the following months, with the most change typically in the first three to six months. As the ridge changes, the immediate denture becomes looser and food may get underneath. A temporary soft reline is often placed during this time to improve fit and comfort, and the denture may need more than one reline. Once healing has stabilised, either a definitive hard reline is done or, more often for long-term comfort, a new definitive denture is made to fit the healed gums. This should be expected and included in your plan from the start.

Immediate dentures and implants

Immediate dentures are frequently used as transitional teeth during implant treatment. Implants may be placed at the time of extraction or after healing, and the immediate denture is adjusted so it does not press on the implants while they integrate. Later the denture can be converted to clip onto implants, or replaced with an implant-retained denture or fixed bridge. Planning implants from the start — with a CBCT scan to check bone — can save time and avoid unnecessary steps. Dr. Manhal Helfawee discusses whether a conventional, transitional or implant-based approach suits your goals before extractions are booked.

Living with an immediate denture

Expect a learning period: practise speaking by reading aloud, start with soft foods and chew on both sides at once to keep the denture stable. Clean the denture daily, rinse after meals and follow the instructions on when to remove it at night once early healing allows. Keep follow-up appointments so the fit can be adjusted as the gums change. Some people use a small amount of adhesive for confidence, but it should not be used to compensate for a denture that has become badly loose — that needs a reline. Cost depends on the number of teeth and future reline or replacement, with a written plan after examination.

Modern dentures are designed for fit, bite and appearance. When a lower denture moves, two or more implants can hold it in place with click-in attachments.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.