When missing a tooth or multiple teeth, another option besides a fixed bridge or implant is a removable partial denture. The partial denture can be made of various materials, usually acrylic (pink to match your gums). The fabrication of partial or complete dentures requires multiple appointments.
Complete dentures replace all missing teeth and provide support for the cheeks and lips as well as function for mastication (chewing) and speech. There are two different types of complete dentures: conventional and immediate.
A conventional denture is made and inserted into the mouth after all the teeth have been extracted and the soft tissues have healed. Once healing has occurred after the teeth have been extracted, impressions for the conventional denture will be taken. The entire process for a conventional denture may take place over multiple months.
The alternative to the conventional denture is an immediate denture. Immediate dentures are inserted on the same day the teeth have been extracted. An advantage of the immediate denture is that the patient is not without teeth during the healing process. However, once healing begins, the bone and soft tissues will resorb or shrink and the immediate denture may become loose. Relines or the fabrication of a conventional denture might be indicated for proper fit and function.