Dentists insert temporary dentures, also known as immediate dentures, immediately after an extraction is made. In fact, construction of a temporary denture starts several visits before the final operative visit. As soon as the tooth is pulled out, the dentist places the immediate denture in the patient's mouth. Because these dentures are placed in the mouth while the anesthesia still works, insertion causes little pain. In fact, once the anesthesia wears off, the new tooth becomes a cushion of sorts and reduces the pain.
Although immediate dentures often become permanent, some patients develop problems with them, thus gaining immediate dentures the name temporary dentures. For example, in some cases, because of the inability to preview what the new tooth will look like, the implants do not look as attractive as they might with other dentures. Another complaint relates to the fast loss of bone after a tooth is pulled. In many cases, too much space develops between the implant and the gum.
Even if things go successfully with the temporary denture, they still have some drawbacks, the most obvious of which is cost. Although, initially, a temporary may seem cheaper than other options, in the long run they will cost more. Within 4 - 6 months, these implants must have a hard liner. Skipping this step could result in serious problems. However, this step often incurs additional costs, making temporary dentures more expensive than many people originally anticipate.
As people begin to realize how their appearance may influence their social life, many are turning to alternative methods to perfect their smile. Temporary dentures are not only economically feasible to wear while waiting for a permanent denture, but they can also aid in a person's overall health and restore a fading smile, according to a study from the January/February 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer reviewed journal.
However, each year in the United States, over 20 million teeth are extracted, leaving scores of people with imperfect and sometimes devastating smiles. A recent online survey of more than 1,100 AGD members revealed that more than 86 percent of dentists reported that their patients deemed social embarrassment as a problem associated with tooth loss.
"Unsightly gaps in the mouth do not have to be part of a person's permanent appearance," says Dr. Murcko. While many dentures that help to restore a damaged smile, interim removable partial dentures, also known as temporary dentures provide an immediate and short-term pleasing result.
When people suffer from tooth decay or periodontal disease, losing just one tooth can be a sign that more teeth will be lost. This means that placing a permanent denture in the mouth is difficult. "When continued tooth loss is expected in a patient, dentists are limited in terms of the type of dentures they can offer to the patient," explains Dr. Bural. In instances such as these, temporary dentures can greatly benefit the patient.
