An immediate denture is a denture made before your teeth are removed and fitted on the same day as the extractions, so you’re not left without teeth while your gums heal. Because your gums and bone shrink as they heal, an immediate denture usually needs a reline or a replacement a few months later. Many people also call it a temporary denture.
Need teeth out? Talk to us about an immediate digital denture. Free, no-obligation consultation at 40+ smilogy clinics across NSW, QLD, VIC, SA and the ACT.
How an immediate denture works
- Consultation and scan. Your clinician checks your mouth, confirms which teeth need to come out and takes a 3D scan.
- Design and manufacture. The denture is designed digitally and made before your extraction appointment.
- Extractions and fitting. The teeth are removed and the denture is fitted on the same day.
- Review visits. You’ll have follow-up appointments in the first days and weeks to check healing and adjust the fit.
- Reline or new denture. Once your gums have settled, usually after a few months, the denture is relined or a new one is made so it fits your healed mouth.
Immediate vs conventional dentures
| Immediate denture | Conventional denture | |
|---|---|---|
| When it’s fitted | Same day as extractions | After the gums have healed |
| Time without teeth | None | Usually several weeks or more |
| Fit over time | Loosens as gums heal; reline or new denture needed | More stable from the start |
| Adjustments | More frequent early on | Fewer |
Your clinician will talk through which approach suits you. It depends on how many teeth are coming out, your general health and what matters most to you.
What to expect while you heal
- Some soreness and swelling is common for the first few days. Follow the aftercare instructions you’re given.
- Your clinician may ask you to keep the denture in for the first 24 hours to help control swelling. Don’t remove it unless you’ve been told to.
- Stick to soft foods at first and cut food into small pieces.
- Expect the denture to feel looser over the following weeks as your gums shrink. That’s normal, and it’s why reviews and a later reline matter.
- Contact your clinic if you have bleeding that won’t settle, increasing pain or swelling, or a fever.
Why a digital scan helps
At smilogy, dentures are designed from a 3D scan instead of impression trays. Your scan and design file are stored, so when your gums have healed a new denture can be made from an updated scan without starting from scratch. Read what happens during a digital denture scan, and our guide to denture relines and repairs for what happens once your mouth has settled.
What does an immediate denture cost?
Your clinician confirms the price of an immediate denture, and any extractions, at your consultation before anything goes ahead. Smilogy’s published prices for full and partial dentures are on the pricing page, and our guide to what affects the cost of dentures explains the main factors. Dentures are usually claimable under major dental or prosthetics extras cover, and public dental vouchers and DVA are accepted at participating locations.
FAQs
Is an immediate denture the same as a temporary denture?
People often use the terms interchangeably. An immediate denture is fitted on the day of extraction and is often relined later or replaced with a new denture once healing is complete.
How long does an immediate denture last?
It’s designed to see you through the healing period. Most people need a reline or a new denture once their gums have settled, usually after a few months. Your clinician will advise on timing.
Can I eat normally with an immediate denture?
Not straight away. Start with soft foods and build up gradually as your mouth heals and you get used to the denture.
Clinically reviewed by Dr Luke Cronin, smilogy. Last reviewed November 2026.
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a registered dental practitioner. Any dental treatment carries risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.