Dentures are the tried-and-true solution for tooth loss with a long history of success, though they remain popular today because of their many benefits. Your dentist can provide a lifelike set of replacement teeth no matter how many went missing.
However, some patients with significant tooth loss must have any remaining natural teeth removed for their restorations to fit and function correctly. If you’re unsure how long you’ll have to wait after your procedure before being fitted with dentures, continue reading to learn more about what to expect!
Will I Need Tooth Extractions Before Getting Dentures?
Partial dentures are a versatile way to replace a few teeth missing sporadically throughout your mouth. But if you’ve already lost most of your permanent ones, you’ll need full dentures so you can continue eating, speaking, and smiling confidently. These prosthetics usually have a gum-colored acrylic base that forms a tight suction against the gums over the bony ridges in your mouth to remain in place.
If you have a few teeth remaining, they can prevent your dentures from forming a strong enough bond to stay firmly in your mouth throughout the day. Your dentist may have no choice but to remove them for your replacements to be successful.
How Long Must I Wait to Get Dentures?
It can take 3+ months for your mouth to fully mend after having one or more teeth extracted, though the exact timeline can depend on your unique circumstances. It’s natural to wonder whether you’ll have to go without teeth during that time, but it varies from person to person based on the type of dentures you receive, as outlined in more detail below.
Immediate Dentures
These are fitted before your extraction procedure so that they can be placed in your mouth immediately afterward. These ‘temporary’ dentures aren’t usually intended to last long, and because your bone shrinks after teeth are lost, they eventually become ill-fitting as your mouth heals following your procedure.
But they also ensure you don’t go for a long time without a full set of teeth, helping you avoid feelings of self-consciousness or frustration. They also serve as a bandage over the extraction site(s) to help reduce bleeding and protect the underlying tissues from harm. Then, your dentist can provide more permanent dentures once you’re fully healed.
Traditional Dentures
It can take between 3 and 6 months for your jawbone and gum tissues to recover after extraction, and your dentist will want to wait to make impressions until you’ve mended for a more accurate fit. Whether or not you received immediate dentures, you’ll likely have to wait a while before your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to rebuild your smile.
If you’re unsure whether your dentist plans to place immediate dentures after your extraction, you can find out by asking them directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ray Voller is an accomplished dentist with 40+ years of experience helping children and adults build the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and has since been awarded Fellowship and Mastership Awards from the Academy of General Dentistry, and Fellowship Status in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics and the Academy of Dentistry International. Today, he uses advanced technology to provide a complete menu of services, including extractions and lifelike dentures, to meet your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (724) 543-4948.