If you're planning to have some or all of your teeth extracted because they're in bad shape, then you're probably thinking about wearing dentures and what it entails. One concern you may have is the length of time you have to go without teeth until your dentures are made. This could be several weeks, and you may not want to go to work or out in public without teeth. One solution is to get immediate dentures if your dentist finds them suitable. Here's how they work.

Immediate Dentures Keep You From Being Toothless

The first step in your oral makeover is to have your bad teeth pulled if they can't be saved. If you have any good teeth, your dentist may recommend saving them and getting partial plates. These have teeth that replace your missing teeth, and they are held more securely in your mouth since they can clasp to the remaining teeth you have. If all of your teeth are removed, then you'll need a full set of dentures. A dentist can make temporary full and partial plates that are put in your mouth on the same visit you have your teeth pulled. The downside is this is an added expense, but the upside is you won't have to go out in public without teeth.

Permanent Denture Plates Take Time To Be Made

After you've had your teeth pulled, your gums will be swollen for some time. While the swelling may be minor and not obvious to you, it could be just enough to interfere with a good fit for your permanent new teeth. The temporary variety doesn't have an exact custom fit, and that's one reason you'll want to have them replaced with permanent plates as soon as you can.

Once all the swelling has gone down, the dentist makes a mold of your gums so the fit of your new plates is perfect. Then the dentures have to be made in a lab, and that takes extra time. In all, you could wait several weeks to a few months from the time your teeth are pulled until you get your new permanent full or partial plates. That's why the immediate option is a choice to consider, although your dentist will decide if it is right for you.

Once you have your new plates, you should also allow time to adjust to them. Partials are held more snugly if they have natural teeth to clasp on to, and dentures can be snug too if they're attached to implants. If you don't have anything to hold your dentures in place, you may need to practice eating and talking until the actions seem normal. If you have any discomfort, let your dentist know in case your plates need to be adjusted for improved comfort.