Yes — same-day, or "immediate," dentures are a real option. The dentures are prepared in advance based on impressions and measurements taken before your tooth extractions, so they can be placed immediately after the teeth are removed. This allows you to avoid time spent without teeth while your gums heal. Keep in mind that immediate dentures are considered a transitional solution — as your gums heal and reshape, you'll typically need relines or a final, permanent set once healing is complete.

Same-day dentures serve an important role — they restore your appearance and basic function immediately after extractions, and they also protect the healing extraction sites. However, they're placed before the gums and bone have fully healed and settled. As your mouth heals over the following months, these dentures may become loose and require relining or replacement with a permanent set. Think of them as an excellent interim solution, not necessarily the final answer.

The primary considerations include a higher initial investment compared to traditional dentures, and the requirement for oral surgery with a healing period for the implants to integrate with the jawbone. Additionally, not all patients have sufficient bone density to support implants without needing supplemental procedures like bone grafting. For most patients who qualify, the trade-offs are well worth it — better stability, no slipping, no adhesives, and long-term jawbone preservation. Learn more about our dental implant options.

Generally, no. Because implants provide the necessary stability, the plastic palate — the part that covers the roof of your mouth in a traditional upper denture — can often be removed or significantly reduced. This design improvement makes eating more comfortable and enhances your ability to taste food. It's one of the most appreciated benefits by patients who switch from traditional to implant-supported upper dentures.

It depends on whether you choose immediate or conventional dentures. Immediate dentures are placed the same day as extractions, so there's no waiting. Conventional dentures typically require a healing period of several weeks to a few months after extractions before final fittings can be completed — this allows gum tissue to heal and jawbone to settle into its final shape, resulting in a more precise, longer-lasting fit.

Modern, well-fitted dentures should not be painful, though there's typically a two-to-four-week adjustment period where you get used to the feel, speech patterns, and eating with them. Some minor soreness or pressure points during the first week is normal and easily corrected with a follow-up adjustment. If pain persists beyond the adjustment phase, that's a sign the fit needs refinement — never something you should just live with.