Our goal at SmileCare Dental is to provide every patient with beautiful, healthy, and ideally functioning smiles. We do this through general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry procedures. We help patients restore the function and aesthetics of their smiles using dentures, among other restorative options.
Some denture patients need teeth extracted before we can begin the denture process. If you fall into that category, how long will you wait before your dentures can be fitted?
Why Tooth Extraction Might be Necessary Before Dentures
“There are many reasons why we may need to remove teeth before providing a patient with dentures,” says Dr. Mark Berenshteyn. “Decay, trauma, and gum disease are common issues that can prevent us from placing dentures right away. This is because we want to ensure the integrity of the dentures and help you keep your new smile for years to come. We can extract unhealthy teeth so your dentures will fit properly, and you have the best chance for a long-lasting smile.”
Standard Timeline for Getting Dentures After Tooth Removal
As a general rule of thumb, the standard waiting period is 8-12 weeks after extraction before permanent dentures are placed, unless you are receiving immediate dentures. We know this may seem like a long time; however, as the best dentist in Fitchburg, we want to ensure we are setting you up for complete success with your new smile. Your gums will change in both size and shape after your teeth are extracted. If we place dentures right away, the fit will change as your gums heal.
The time it takes to fit your dentures will vary for each individual. There are some factors that can affect your healing, including whether you have certain medical conditions, how well you follow your dentist’s post-care instructions, and the location of your extraction.
Factors That Can Affect Your Healing Time
Your Oral Health
If you have gum disease or any other oral issues, it can take longer for your mouth to fully heal.
How Many Teeth Are Extracted
The number of teeth extracted directly impacts how long your recovery will take.
Your Overall Health
Some health conditions, such as diabetes, may mean slower healing for some patients.
Post-extraction Care
It is important to follow all post-care instructions. This means proper oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining any follow-up visits.
However, immediate dentures can be placed immediately following your extraction to ensure you can eat normally and to maintain your smile’s appearance. These are temporary and will need to be adjusted as your gums heal. Immediate dentures are pre-made, so you never have to go without your smile, even after extraction.
Before getting your conventional dentures, your mouth will need to heal completely. The gums and jawbone reshape themselves once the teeth have been removed, and it can take several weeks for your mouth to heal fully enough to place your dentures. We know it can be difficult to wait once you’ve made the decision to restore your smile, but this ensures the dentures will fit correctly.
If you are looking at implant-supported dentures to restore your smile, you may need to wait three to six months after extraction. Your jawbone and gums need to be fully healed before the implant post can be placed. Then, it takes another three to six months for osseointegration, where the implant integrates into your jawbone. This is a longer process, but implant-supported dentures can provide a very stable solution.
Beyond aesthetics, dentures restore your quality of life by improving speech, supporting facial structure, and allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods again. You’ll be able to chew properly, speak clearly, and preserve your facial shape. And you’ll be able to smile big again.
The professionals at SmileCare Dental are here for all of your dental care needs, and we’ll be by your side throughout your dentures process. We’ll ensure you receive the expert, personalized care you deserve so you can have the smile of your dreams.
