Dentures are perhaps one of the most popular and iconic options for replacing missing teeth, having assisted countless generations of patients with moderate to extensive tooth loss. That said, in some cases, a patient must actually have some of their remaining natural teeth extracted in order for dentures to become a viable option that’ll serve them well. If your dentist has informed you that you’ll need some of your teeth pulled before dentures become a good option for rebuilding your smile, here’s what you need to know about this process and timeline.
What Happens Following the Tooth Extraction Process?
After a patient has had teeth extracted, on average it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the gum tissue to fully close and toughen up enough to tolerate eating firmer foods. However, it takes much longer for the underlying bone to completely heal, and during this timeframe (6 to 8 months or so), you might lose some density in your jawbone in the areas where your teeth once were. This initial bone shrinkage is normal, and your dentist will monitor the situation and provide you with guidelines to ensure that things continue to heal as intended.
When Can I Receive Dentures After Having My Teeth Pulled?
There are two different approaches to getting dentures after having teeth pulled, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. One method involves having your teeth removed and allowing your gum tissue to heal for 6 to 8 weeks, before temporary dentures are outfitted. This is preferable for patients who don’t want to learn how to wear their dentures while their gums are sore and healing. It also usually means that the dentures fit better initially. However, the primary disadvantage here is that patients are without teeth for those first few weeks.
The other main method involves making the dentures before the teeth are removed, so that they can be placed immediately after the teeth are pulled. However, wearing dentures right after tooth extractions can be challenging for some patients, especially when it comes to eating and speaking. Nonetheless, it is still quite life-changing for others, and they’re more than willing to endure this more difficult transition period.
In the end, it boils down to a patient’s preferences combined with their dentist’s expert opinion, but both options are perfectly viable. In any case, dentures need to be regularly cleaned and maintained, meaning you shouldn’t skip out on your oral hygiene practices or dental checkups once you’ve received your new smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Dudley Family Dental has proudly served the dental needs of the Dudley, MA community for several years, offering a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options including dentures. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one to see if dentures are a viable solution, feel free to contact our team online or over the phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (508) 943-7001.