Dental OSCE 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Final impressions are typically not indicated immediately after tooth extractions because the soft tissue and bone undergo a healing process that can lead to significant changes in the shape and contour of the extraction site. When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding tissues and the edentulous ridge can swell and change shape, making it challenging to obtain an accurate impression that reflects the true state of the mouth.

In contrast, immediate dentures are designed to be placed right after tooth removal to aid in function and esthetics while the healing process occurs, while temporary fillings can be useful in certain situations where a tooth has been partially removed or needs stabilization. Chair-side relines can also adjust existing dentures to fit more comfortably post-extraction as the healing progresses. Therefore, taking final impressions too soon can result in ill-fitting prosthetics, necessitating additional appointments for adjustments or remakes.