Once you’ve had some teeth removed, you may want dentures immediately. Fair enough – you’re likely eager to sport a restored smile as soon as possible. Still, you should actually wait to get dentures after tooth extraction; this ensures treatment success. Your Aspen Hill dentist will even explain the exact details behind these facts. That said, here’s why you should wait to get dentures after tooth extraction and when you can proceed with treatment.
Context: Your Gums Must Heal First
However much you want dentures, you simply can’t get them right after tooth extraction. Your gums need time and care to heal from the removal work first.
You see, a tooth extraction is a somewhat invasive dental procedure. It requires a dentist to make incisions in your gums, damaging the tissues as a result. Areas that receive such incisions must heal before receiving prosthetic teeth; they’ll suffer more harm otherwise.
At the same time, a mouth’s shape often changes as the gums heal. Permanent dentures won’t do much until a dentist can tailor them to your final smile.
A Wait for Dentures Can Vary
The wait for permanent dentures varies from one patient to the next. Depending on your recovery speed and treatment priorities, it can take much or little time; the best you can get beforehand are rough estimates.
All in all, the major factor in wait times is your denture type. Consider the kinds listed below:
Traditional Dentures
If you want traditional, custom-made dentures, you’ll need to wait 3-6 months. Your gums will use that time to heal enough for fittings and adjustments. Afterward, you can receive permanent dentures that can work for many years.
To ease your wait, you could rely on immediate dentures. Dentists can place these kinds right after a tooth extraction with little issue. Just expect to have them regularly relined or refitted until the permanent denture is ready.
Implant Dentures
Compared to regular ones, the wait for implant dentures is even longer. Most patients need 4-6 months of recovery before their mouths can handle such prosthetics. In that time, the gums and jaw will heal enough to support implant posts properly.
Of course, the extended wait for implant dentures more than pays off. These restorations are permanent and won’t slip or fall like regular kinds. Better yet, they restore your bite force enough to help you eat tough foods.
Given the points above, you should know when to get dentures after a tooth extraction. Consult your dental provider if you have further questions or concerns!
About the Practice
Dental Center of Aspen Hill is based in Aspen Hill, MD. Led by a roster of four excellent dentists, our practice always aims to give patients the best dentistry possible. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, we tailor our work to ensure every smile gets the help it needs. That means your grin will get much healthier and prettier if you come and see us! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (301)-871-8000.