Immediate dentures part 1: assessment and treatment planning

Abstract: This two part review article aims to provide a comprehensive summary on immediate dentures. In the first part, after a brief introduction, the advantages and disadvantages of immediate dentures are compared. There is a detailed discussion on assessment and treatment planning which includes history-taking, examination of the soft and hard tissues, current prostheses, occlusion, as well as discussion on investigations required and formulating a diagnosis. The first part ends with a summary of types of immediate dentures and denture designs. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Immediate dentures are commonly used to provide patients with tooth replacement immediately following extractions in order to maintain aesthetics and function. Therefore, they are an integral part of a dentist's armamentarium.