ANSWERS

How is an immediate denture fabricated?

An immediate denture is fabricated before extractions so the patient leaves the surgical appointment wearing the prosthesis. The lab takes preoperative impressions or intraoral scans of the remaining dentition, mounts the casts, trims the stone teeth to simulate the post-extraction ridge, then sets denture teeth and...

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Why it works this way

The pre-extraction record stage

Fabrication starts 2 to 3 weeks before the surgical date. The restorative dentist captures full-arch impressions (PVS or alginate) or sends an intraoral scan of the existing dentition, plus a bite registration and a facebow record if the case warrants it. At Dani Dental, digital scans route straight into the CAD workflow; analog impressions are poured and digitized in-house. Shade and mold selection happen at this visit so the lab has the full prescription before any chairtime is committed to the surgical day.

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How long before the extraction date should records be sent to the lab?

Two to three weeks is the working window for a conventional immediate denture. That gives the lab time for cast pour, mounting, tooth setup, wax try-in feedback if the case calls for one, and final processing without rushing the acrylic cure. Digital workflows can compress this to 7 to 10 working days when the scan and prescription arrive complete. Rushing under a week typically forces a compromise on tooth setup verification, which is where delivery-day fit problems originate.

Is a wax try-in possible for an immediate denture?

A full anterior try-in is not possible because the patient still has the teeth that will be extracted. Some practices do a posterior-only try-in to verify vertical dimension, occlusal plane, and posterior tooth position, then trust the lab on anterior setup based on shade, mold, and any pre-extraction photos the office provides. Sending high-quality retracted photos of the existing anterior teeth at the records appointment gives the technician the reference needed to set the anteriors with confidence.

When does the immediate denture get relined or replaced?

Standard protocol is a soft reline at 3 months and a hard reline or remake at 6 months once ridge resorption stabilizes. The American College of Prosthodontists notes the steepest bone loss happens in the first 6 months post-extraction, so a denture that fit perfectly on day one will be loose by month three. Plan the reline appointment with the patient at the time of delivery so it's already on the schedule, not a problem they call about.

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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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