With full dentures, you can reclaim a complete, functional smile even after experiencing extensive tooth loss. However, if there are any natural teeth remaining in the arch, they will need to be removed in order to make room for the prosthesis. This raises an important question: just how long will it take to get dentures after a tooth extraction? Here’s a quick look at what you can typically expect during the process.
The Timeline for Getting Dentures After a Tooth Extraction
Once your teeth have been removed, you will be given temporary dentures so that you don’t have to go without teeth while the final prosthesis is being made. Sometimes you may have to wait about six to eight weeks to get temporary dentures. However, in certain cases, you might be able to get immediate dentures, which are provided on the same day as your tooth extraction.
You will typically need to wait for your gums and jaw to fully heal before you can receive your permanent dentures. Depending on the circumstances, this can potentially take around six to eight months.
Why Can’t You Get Permanent Dentures Right Away?
Simply put, you can’t get a permanent denture immediately after a tooth extraction because it wouldn’t fit properly after a while. After your teeth have been removed, it will take time for your mouth to heal. During this process, your jawbone will shrink, and your gumline will change shape. Consequently, a denture designed for your mouth shortly after a tooth extraction would come loose after a few months’ time. Thus, waiting to get a permanent denture helps ensure that the final prosthesis fits as comfortably as possible.
What Can You Expect While Waiting for Permanent Dentures?
Until you’re ready to receive the final prosthesis, you’ll rely on your temporary denture to speak to others and chew your food. There will likely be some soreness at first, but it should fade as your mouth heals. Over-the-counter pain medication can go a long way toward helping you keep the discomfort under control.
It may take some time to get used to temporary dentures. To make things easier, you may want to plan on sticking to a diet of soft, easy-to-chew foods. You should also consider giving yourself extra practice speaking with your new prosthesis by reading aloud.
Getting dentures after a tooth extraction takes time, but it will be well worth the wait once you receive the final prosthesis and are able to enjoy the full benefits of your recompleted smile.
About the Practice
At Main Line Dental Group, we have been creating healthier, more confident smiles for well over three decades. Our dentists make a point of treating all of our patients as unique individuals and providing them with high-quality, fully personalized care. We’re proud to offer dentures along with other reliable options for replacing missing teeth. If there are gaps in your smile that you want to fill, you can schedule an appointment at our practice in Wayne by visiting our website or calling (610) 971-0717.