Get your new smile without waiting with same-day dentures.
Everyone hopes to keep their natural teeth for life, and we strive to help our patients accomplish that goal. Unfortunately, it is not always possible. Due to factors such as oral injury, advanced gum disease, and avoidance of dental care, millions of Americans suffer from complete tooth loss. The good news is that losing your teeth doesn’t need to mean the loss of your smile. In fact, you can have a brand-new, beautiful smile without waiting with our same-day dentures or immediate dentures from Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, Indiana.
About the denture procedure
A complete denture replaces all the upper or lower teeth. However, many new denture patients aren’t missing all their teeth. Some may be gone, while others are damaged beyond repair, so the first step is extractions. As the gums heal, there will be some tissue shrinkage and changes in contours, affecting the fit of a denture. The standard protocol involves a waiting period of several weeks or months between extraction and denture creation. Same-day dentures, also called immediate dentures or teeth-in-a-day, eliminate the wait without compromising quality.
The steps of the procedure generally include:
- Preparation – Your dentist will take impressions and other necessary records, evaluate the coloring of your natural enamel, and create a denture design with digital smile design software.
- Treatment – During the next appointment, extractions are performed, and the immediate denture is placed.
- Recovery – There will be a transition period as you adjust to wearing dentures and some soreness while your gums heal from extractions.
- Reline – This process involves adding a new layer of lining material, thus reshaping the inside of your denture. It typically takes just one day. In most cases, an immediate denture will need relining a few months after placement due to the rapid evolution of the gum line.
In addition to providing short-term dentures, we offer 3D-printed dentures completed within 24 hours after extraction and preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are same-day dentures?
Also known as immediate dentures, same-day dentures are placed immediately after dental extraction. Conventional dentures are often placed three months after extraction once the gums have healed. We place immediate dentures after extraction, allowing you to leave our office with a refreshed, fully functional smile. This means you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing period.
What is the process for getting immediate dentures?
How does the dentist restore your smile with same-day dentures? Here is what you can expect.
- Initial consultation: Your treatment will begin with a thorough oral examination, including X-rays or 3D imaging. We’ll assess your oral health and determine if same-day dentures suit you. Unlike conventional dentures, we take impressions of same-day dentures before teeth are extracted. This ensures your dentures are ready by the time we extract your teeth.
- Dental extraction: Any failing teeth will be removed to pave the way for reliable and predictable teeth.
- Placement: Once we extract your teeth, the pre-made dentures are placed immediately over your gums. Your customized dentures are crafted with excellent precision to ensure a good fit. Your dentist will make initial adjustments to ensure the dentures fit comfortably. You’ll receive instructions on how to care for your dentures and manage any post-extraction discomfort.
- Healing: As your gums and jaw heal, the fit of your same-day dentures may change. Swelling and gum shrinkage are expected during this time, and your dentures might require adjustments or relining for an improved fit. We’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing, address any discomfort, and make necessary adjustments to your dentures.
- Permanent dentures: You may need a more fully healing permanent set after fully healing your gums. Sometimes, this may involve additional adjustments to your same-day dentures to ensure long-term comfort and functionality.
Are same-day dentures right for you?
The best way to answer that question is a consultation with Dr. Church. First, he will examine your oral health and determine if any teeth are restorable. If total extraction is needed, he will discuss various options, including immediate or standard dentures and fixed or removable implant-supported prosthetics. Call Washington Street Dentistry at (317) 333-6788 to schedule your consultation.
Can I eat normally with same-day dentures?
Eating with same-day dentures requires a short adjustment period. Start with soft foods and gradually introduce harder foods as you become more comfortable. Proper chewing techniques will also help improve your experience.
Who is a good candidate for same-day dentures?
Same-day dentures are a good fit if you need multiple teeth extracted and don’t want the inconvenience of being without teeth during healing. A consultation with your dentist will determine if you’re a good candidate.
Are immediate dentures comfortable?
Initially, you may experience discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts to the dentures. However, as your gums heal and you become accustomed to wearing them, they will feel more comfortable.
Am I a candidate for immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures in Indianapolis, Indiana, ensure you leave our dental office with a complete smile, minimizing downtime and boosting your confidence immediately. To discover if immediate dentures are right, call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry.