Same day dentures
If you are preparing to have teeth extracted or have recently done so, you might have heard your dentist or oral surgeon mention immediate or “same day” dentures as a replacement option. While same day are not made in a day - they’re in fact created over a series of visits to your dentist’s office where s/he will first take impressions, create the dentures, and then modify them to fit you– they are a type of denture that can be worn the same day following tooth extraction. In addition to providing an immediate cosmetic benefit, as you won’t have to go a single day with a gap in your smile, these special dentures also aid in the healing process, covering the tender tissues where the extraction was performed and protecting that area from the food and beverages you eat and drink after surgery. There are many benefits to immediate dentures as well as a few things to be aware of; all of them are outlined below.
How do same day dentures work, and how much do they cost?
In contrast to traditional permanent dentures, same day or immediate dentures are made of a softer material that is gentler on your tender gums and healing tissues following tooth extraction. For this reason, same day dentures are meant to serve a temporary purpose, helping to fend off further injury and irritation to your healing oral tissues, relieve pressure on these spots as they heal, and making it safer and easier to eat following the extraction of your teeth. While some opt for immediate dentures primarily for cosmetic purposes, the ways in which they help you heal after surgery are a great reason to choose same day dentures, as well.
After two to three months, when the healing inside of your mouth is complete, you’ll likely transition to permanent dentures, which are composed of a harder acrylic base that your healed gums will be better equipped to handle. Another option, rather than transitioning to permanent dentures, are dental implants, which are the most streamlined, less noticeable, and most stable tooth replacement technologies that exist today. They can, however, be cost prohibitive for some. Talk to your dentist about the benefits of dental implants and any payment plans or financing options she or he might offer. You might find that they’re not only worth the cost but also more affordable than you think when you break it down to a low monthly payment.
The temporary or same day dentures themselves vary in cost, depending on a number of factors. Usually, though, they cost more than traditional permanent dentures, because they are more labor-intensive and can require more modification to achieve a good fit. On average, temporary dentures cost around $1900, which does not include the costs of tooth extraction or the permanent dentures or implants that you’ll need later. In some cases, this is a cost that insurance may cover in part, so be sure to talk to your insurance provider to find out if this is true in your case. Please keep in mind that this is a general estimate and not a guarantee of costs. Because these expenses vary so widely, it’s best to consult with your dentist and oral surgeon for a more detailed individual quote.
What is it like to have same day dentures?
Like most dental appliances, you may find that your temporary dentures are somewhat awkward or uncomfortable, especially at first. You may be sore following surgery, and an imperfect fit may be somewhat bothersome during the first few days of the healing process when tenderness is at its peak. However, most people find that they grow accustomed to their immediate dentures fairly quickly and are pleased at how successfully they mimic normal teeth.
While taking care of same day dentures is not complicated or time consuming, there are some steps that you’ll want to take to protect your healing and oral health following surgery. Your dentist will give you detailed instructions that you should follow carefully. They’ll likely include advice to not remove your dentures for the first 24 hours, including step-by-step instructions on exactly how to remove them when you do so for the first time. You won’t want to rinse or spit before that 24 hour period is over, and you certainly should not smoke, chew or dip tobacco, or drink any hot beverages during this time, either.
While you may experience some pain in the days immediately following tooth extraction, this can be ameliorated by the pain medication you’re instructed to take. You should receive information on what to watch out for during the days following surgery, and a list of things that you should call your dentist about should they occur. In normal circumstances, though, people start to feel less pain and tenderness after the first few days and are back to eating and smiling normally before they know it.
For more detailed information about how same day dentures might benefit you, call your dentist today to set up a consultation!
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