ANSWERS

How is an immediate denture different from a conventional denture?

An immediate denture is fabricated before extractions and delivered the same day teeth come out, so the patient never appears edentulous. A conventional denture is made after extraction sites heal, usually 8 to 12 weeks later, allowing impressions on stable ridges.

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Why it works this way

The timing decision drives everything else

The clinical split between immediate and conventional dentures is fundamentally a timing problem. Immediate dentures are designed, fabricated, and shipped to the operatory before the extraction appointment, so when the patient stands up from the chair, the prosthesis is already seated. Conventional dentures wait for the alveolar ridge to heal, which the American College of Prosthodontists puts at 8 to 12 weeks for most patients, before final impressions are even taken.

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How long does an immediate denture last before it needs to be replaced?

An immediate denture is typically treated as a transitional prosthesis for the first 12 months, with relines at 3 to 6 months and again at 9 to 12 months to accommodate ridge remodeling. After the first year, many patients transition to a new conventional denture fabricated against the now-stable ridge, or commit to a lab reline of the immediate as the permanent solution. The clinical decision depends on the wear pattern of the acrylic and the patient's adaptation.

Can an immediate denture be converted to an implant-supported overdenture later?

Yes, and this is an increasingly common treatment sequence. The immediate denture serves the healing period, and once the ridge stabilizes at 4 to 6 months, implants can be placed and the existing denture retrofitted with locator attachments or a bar. Dani Dental's digital workflow supports this conversion path: the original scan data stays on file, and the retrofit can be planned against the same occlusal scheme the patient has already adapted to.

What information does the lab need on the Rx for an immediate denture case?

The Rx should specify which teeth are being extracted, the surgical date, shade and mold selection, and any midline or occlusal preferences from the existing dentition. Preoperative photos help the technician match the patient's natural tooth arrangement, which matters because the patient has no try-in opportunity before delivery. Bite registration and a face-bow or digital equivalent are required. Dani Dental's case coordinators flag missing information within one business day of case receipt.

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This answer is one piece of a larger workflow. The pillar page covers materials, turnaround, and how we build the case to your specification.

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