Immediate Dentures An immediate denture is a removable artificial oral appliance restoring a complete/ full arch, partial arch or spaces of missing teeth and is inserted immediately, following the extractions of natural teeth, before the jaw ridge is completely healed.  The advantage of an immediate denture is that the patient does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums resorp (shrink) over time, particularly during the period of healing in the first three to six months after the extraction of natural teeth. When ridges in the oral cavity shrink, immediate dentures may require relining to fit properly again or if the resorption is to excessive new dentures may have to be made. Once the healing of the oral tissues occurs the resorption of the ridges slows down. A new denture is usually made after the healing of the oral tissues has taken place. Content © 2010 ProOral | Design © 2010 WM