Immediate Denture
A complete or partial denture fabricated and inserted immediately after the extraction of remaining natural teeth, before tissues have fully healed.
Full Definition
An immediate denture is a prosthetic appliance constructed prior to the removal of the patient's remaining natural teeth, with the intent of being placed in the mouth at the same appointment as extraction. It serves functional and aesthetic purposes during the healing period and prevents the patient from being edentulous at any point. Because alveolar bone resorption and soft-tissue shrinkage occur rapidly after extraction, immediate dentures typically require relining or replacement within several months. Editors should note the term is always written as two unhyphenated words and should not be conflated with 'transitional denture,' which has a narrower scope.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate. Distinguish from 'conventional denture,' which is placed only after soft-tissue healing is complete.
In Context
- "The treatment plan specified that an immediate denture would be delivered on the day of extraction to maintain the patient's appearance." — Clinical treatment plan
- "Editors reviewing the operative note should ensure 'immediate denture' is not hyphenated and is not substituted with the narrower term 'surgical splint.'" — Editorial style note