Tooth Loss: Why It Happens
Losing teeth can happen for a bunch of reasons, but the most common culprit is dental disease, mainly tooth decay and gum disease (periodontal disease)—both of which come down to how well oral bacteria (oral flora) are managed.
But there are other factors, too. Pregnancy, malnutrition, genetic conditions like dentinogenesis imperfecta, trauma, and even drug use can all play a role in tooth loss.
How Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Leads to Tooth Loss
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection caused by a combination of bacteria and the body’s immune response. Over time, it destroys the fibers that anchor the tooth to the root surface and the surrounding bone. Once that support is gone, teeth start to loosen and eventually fall out.
Pregnancy and Tooth Loss—What’s the Connection?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk of gingivitis, making gums more inflamed and sensitive. On top of that, pregnancy hormones relax the muscle that keeps stomach acid from coming back up—which is why morning sickness (acid reflux) is common.
That acid, which has a pH as low as 1.5, coats the inner surfaces of the upper teeth (palatal side of maxillary teeth). Over time, this softens the enamel, making it more prone to erosion and wear. If left unchecked, it can lead to significant damage and even tooth loss.
Dental Trauma: When Accidents Cause Tooth Loss aka Scooters on the Strand
Injuries to the teeth or surrounding structures (gums, ligaments, and jawbone) can range from minor chips to full-on tooth dislocation. A strong impact—like a fall, a sports injury, or a sudden blow—can completely knock a tooth out of its socket. Even milder trauma, like biting into something hard, can lead to cracks, fractures, or gradual weakening over time.
Losing Teeth? Here’s What You Need to Know About Immediate Dentures
If you’ve lost one or more teeth due to gum disease or decay, dentures can be a great way to restore your smile. Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth that look and function like natural teeth.
However, after tooth extractions, it can take several months to create your permanent, custom-fitted dentures. In the meantime, you have the option to wear immediate (temporary) dentures, so you’re not left without teeth during the healing process.
Let’s break down what immediate dentures are, their pros and cons, and whether they might be the right option for you.
What Are Immediate (Temporary) Dentures?
The key difference between immediate dentures and dentures is that immediate dentures are placed right after your teeth are extracted—on the same day.
Unlike regular dentures, which are made to fit a stable and fully healed mouth, immediate dentures change over time as your gums and bone adjust after extractions. This means they won’t stay snug or comfortable for long and will require constant adjustments, temporary relines, and eventually a full reline or remake to maintain some level of fit.
The problem? After all these modifications, you’re often left with a relatively new denture that looks and feels old—due to the repeated alterations. Even with adjustments, they rarely fit as well as a denture made for a fully healed mouth, and comfort can be hit or miss.
That’s why immediate dentures are a great temporary solution, but they aren’t meant to replace a properly made permanent denture.
But they serve an important purpose:
They give you teeth immediately after extraction, so you don’t have to go months without them.
They protect your gums while your mouth heals.
You’ll wear immediate dentures for 4 to 6 months while waiting to heal enough for a final reline or for new dentures to be made.
✅ Pros:
✔️ Instant Teeth Replacement – No awkward gaps in your smile after extractions.
✔️ Protects Healing Gums – Acts as a barrier, helping reduce bleeding and discomfort.
✔️ Same-Day Placement – No waiting for teeth after extraction.
❌ Cons:
⚠ Don't fit as well – Since they’re made before extractions, the fit isn’t as precise.
⚠ Can Feel Loose or Unstable – You might need periodic adjustments or temporary relines and relining or new dentures.
⚠ May Cause Soreness – Your mouth will need time to adjust.
⚠ Chewing Feels Different – Immediate dentures aren’t as stable.
⚠ Can Trigger Gag Reflex – If they move around too much, they may touch the back of your mouth.
While some people choose to wait to heal for their dentures, immediate dentures are highly recommended for full-mouth extractions to ensure you’re not without teeth for months.
The Process: How Immediate & Permanent Dentures Are Made
Complete Immediate Dentures (Replacing All Teeth)
Intra-oral scans are taken of your mouth, 3d scans are taken of your face along with photos.
Your immediate dentures are designed in CAD software, using techniques found in art, and nature to create proportions that humans instinctively find aesthetically pleasing in order to make you a designing harmonious smile.
When your denture(s) is(are) ready, you will collect them and take them to your dentist, where your teeth are extracted, and the denture is placed immediately.
You’ll wear them for 24 hours before taking them out, and you’ll have to follow-up with us to adjust the fit as your gums heal.
Partial Immediate Dentures (Replacing Some Teeth)
Intra-oral scans are taken of your mouth, 3d scans are taken of your face along with photos.
According to best practices of Partial Denture design, a partial denture will be made accordingly.
When your denture(s) is(are) ready, you will collect them and take them to your dentist, where your teeth are extracted, and the denture is placed immediately.
You’ll wear them for 24 hours before taking them out, and you’ll have to follow-up with us to adjust the fit as your gums heal.
How Long Do Immediate Dentures Last?
Immediate dentures are temporary by nature, due to the ongoing changes in your mouth, but the scientific evidence says that they are usually replaced within 2 years. Some people keep them as a backup in case their final dentures get lost or damaged, or if they prefer the aesthetics.
However, since immediate dentures aren’t a perfect fit, they need frequent adjustments and relining to accommodate gum shrinkage after extractions.
Final Takeaway on Immediate Dentures
If you need immediate full or partial dentures, the entire process can take several months from extractions to final dentures.
💡 Immediate dentures are a great option if you want to avoid going months without teeth—they protect your gums, help with confidence, and allow you to adjust to wearing dentures sooner.
However, it’s important to understand that immediate dentures aren’t as precise as permanent ones, as they’re made before your gums fully heal. This means they will require adjustments along the way.
💬 Talk to your Dentist (not your Dental Prosthetist) about whether immediate dentures are right for you, and be sure to ask about cost, fit, and available options before making a decision!
🔹 Need guidance? We work closely with highly skilled dentists, so if you’re unsure about the right path for your dental care, we’re more than happy to point you in the right direction. Our goal is to ensure you get everything sorted as smoothly and stress-free as possible! 😊