Whether you’re in the process of recovering from a tooth extraction or preparing for one due to factors like decay, trauma, or overcrowding, the idea of restoring your smile with dentures may be quite appealing. Given that dentures are a commonly sought-after solution, you might be interested in understanding the timeframe for acquiring them after having your teeth extracted. Read on to delve into the timeline for obtaining dentures following a tooth extraction.
What Happens After a Tooth Is Extracted?
Following the proficient tooth extraction by your dentist, the standard duration for gum healing typically extends over approximately six to eight weeks. The recovery of the underlying bone is a more protracted process, often taking around six to eight months to reach full completion. It’s essential to bear in mind that individual healing rates can vary, so exercising patience during this period is crucial.
While many patients are eager to receive their dentures without delay, it’s vital to follow your dentist’s post-extraction care instructions diligently. Additionally, refraining from smoking or engaging in any other harmful habits that might hinder the healing process is of utmost importance.
How Long Should I Wait to Get Dentures After My Teeth Are Pulled?
In some instances, your dentist may recommend temporary dentures to prevent your smile from looking incomplete while the healing process takes place. These interim replacements also help in preserving the strength of your jawbone and the natural contour of your mouth. Additionally, temporary dentures allow patients to adapt to speaking and eating with these restorations.
Normally, the conventional healing time following tooth extraction is about six to eight weeks, often recommended as the waiting period before getting dentures. However, some dentists offer immediate dentures, which can be fitted on the same day as your tooth extraction. These immediate dentures don’t interfere with the healing process and offer a swift way to restore your smile.
What About Implant Dentures?
For patients desiring long-lasting stability, implant dentures are a great option. This procedure entails the insertion of dental implants through the gums into the jawbone, where they gradually integrate over a span of about four to six months. There are several timing options to consider for the placement of these implants:
- Immediate placement – Your dentist will place these devices right after the tooth extraction. To make this choice feasible, your jaw and gums need to be in excellent and strong condition.
- Early placement – This method entails implant placement a few months after the tooth extraction, which is the usual recommendation. If a bone graft is necessary to bolster the jawbone’s strength, it can be carried out during this period.
- Delayed placement – While it’s possible for patients to remain eligible for implant placement even years after a tooth extraction, individuals who postpone the procedure beyond six months face a greater risk of encountering potential complications, such as bone loss in the extraction area.
About the Practice
Meadowbrook Dental Care, under the leadership of Dr. Alvin Babu, Dr. Judson Wells, and Dr. Miguel A. Casañas Jr., places a strong emphasis on kindness and compassion in patient care. Providing a wide range of solutions for oral health concerns, including restorative options like dentures, they can assist you in determining the optimal timing for dentures following a tooth extraction, with a focus on your smile’s well-being. For more information about dentures or to schedule an appointment with Meadowbrook Dental Care, please reach out to their office at (516) 284-1234 or visit their website.