Tooth Extractions for Dentures: Timeline and Recovery
Getting dentures for the first time is a process, not an event. This is particularly true if it also involves tooth extractions for dentures and recovery time.
While it may be possible to get dentures right after having your remaining teeth removed, remember the dentures you initially receive are designed to be temporary. Your mouth will go through many changes on the way to complete healing and recovery. Replacing your temporary dentures with a more permanent set is just another part of the entire process.
What Happens During the Tooth Extraction Process?
Healing of gums after tooth extractions takes, on average, 6 to 8 weeks for the gum tissue to fully close and toughen enough to tolerate eating firmer foods. Tooth extraction for dentures recovery time and complete healing of the underlying bone takes much longer – 6 to 8 months – for the sockets to fill in with new bone and for the majority of initial bone shrinkage to occur.
In today’s fast-paced society, it is common for new denture patients to want to skip over this step, thinking that all of their problems will be solved as soon as their teeth are removed. Because healing is a biological process, it can’t be rushed. Healing is a part of your DNA makeup and is unique to each individual person. There is nothing an oral surgeon or anyone else can do to speed the process.
That being said, there are things you can do that slow the healing process. Patients who smoke take longer to heal. Because smoking causes constriction of the blood vessels, it slows down oxygen-rich blood flow to the wounded area, making healing longer than the non-smoker.
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Get Dentures After Teeth are Pulled?
This is a common question asked by most potential denture patients. The answer depends on your priorities. There are two different approaches to getting dentures for the very first time. Each offers their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
One method involves having your teeth removed and allowing your gum tissue to heal 6 to 8 weeks or longer before receiving your temporary dentures. Advantages to this method include not having to deal with learning to wear dentures while your gums are sore.
When you receive your first dentures, they will fit better because they are made to fit gums that have closed and had some time for initial shrinkage. The obvious disadvantage to this method is you must be committed to being without teeth for 6 to 8 weeks.
The second method involves making dentures before the teeth have been removed. Then, the dentures are inserted immediately after extractions, hence the phrase “immediate dentures.” Wearing dentures immediately after extractions can be challenging. It takes real commitment to learning to chew all over again with artificial appliances while simultaneously dealing with sore gums. Why would anyone choose to do this? One reason: to avoid having no teeth.
Many patients are unable to perform the duties of their job or are unwilling to hibernate while waiting for their gums to heal. With immediate dentures, extractions and dentures can all be accomplished on the same day so that you leave the dental office looking refreshed, feeling renewed, and ready to continue your journey to permanent dentures!
Dentures After Tooth Extractions
Wearing dentures immediately after extractions does have its benefits. For someone who has suffered with bad teeth for many years, receiving dentures the same day teeth are removed is life-changing. Dentures act as a bandage to help protect your gums during the healing process. They make the transition to permanent dentures easier. Immediate partial dentures after extraction also provide support to the integrity of your bone structure.
While immediate dentures may be annoying or slightly uncomfortable, they shouldn’t hurt or cause bleeding. If you experience pain or notice continued bleeding while the dentures are in your mouth, the dentures need an adjustment. Don’t ignore the problem believing it to be normal. Contact your dentist or denturist. A simple denture adjustment can make a world of difference in your comfort level and your ability to use your dentures.
See Also: Immediate Dentures Recovery and Healing FAQs
Don’t let bad teeth ruin your ability to interact and fully engage in life.
With four locations to serve you, European Denture Centers have tooth replacement solutions that can be customized to match your unique priorities. Whether it be conventional dentures, immediate dentures, or planning for eventual dentures secured by dental implants, our experienced, caring denturists and staff will develop a plan of action and guide you through the entire process. Why put up with hiding your mouth any longer? We have solutions that will literally make you smile!
