(215) 677-2401
Dentures are one of the most accessible and practical tooth replacement solutions around. These awesome prosthetics have aided countless patients with rebuilding their smiles, granting them access to restored oral functionality and heightened self-esteem. But can patients undergoing tooth extraction immediately receive their dentures after the procedure, or must they wait for some time for their mouth to heal? Keep reading to learn a little more about dentures and how long you can expect to wait if you’re planning to get them after having teeth extracted.
How Long Does the Mouth Need to Heal Following Tooth Extractions?
There are various reasons for tooth extraction, but in any and all cases, you can expect your mouth to need some time to heal up. Healing is a biological process, and it can’t be rushed—only accommodated. That said, this recuperation period varies from patient to patient, but on average, following tooth extractions it takes the gum tissue around 6 to 8 full weeks to close and become tough enough to tolerate eating firmer foods. However, if your gums need to heal up in preparation for a tooth replacement solution such as dentures, you can expect to wait 3 to 6 months.
Obviously, certain things such as smoking, using tobacco, and other unfavorable oral habits can greatly impede and slow this process. Failure to adhere to your oral surgeon’s instructions can also drastically stall the healing timeline.
When Can I Receive My Dentures?
It’s also important to note that following any type of tooth loss, even extractions, the shape of your mouth will change as your gums heal and other remaining teeth shift. You might also experience some bone loss in your jaw. As you heal, your dentist will monitor your situation and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
That said, some patients can receive dentures immediately after having teeth pulled—these are referred to as temporary dentures, and they’re typically fitted beforehand so that you can go home that very day wearing them! They’re designed to protect your mouth’s shape as it heals, so that when you receive your permanent dentures later on, they fit snugly. However, you can also opt to not wear temporary dentures until your gum tissues have healed, if you prefer not having to adjust to the prosthetic while you’re sore.
In a perfect world, tooth extraction probably wouldn’t even be necessary, nor would dentures! However, knowing that the turnaround time for receiving your new teeth is relatively quick following extractions, you can rest assured that rebuilding your smile is well worth the time commitment.
About the Practice
The talented team at Dentex Dental of Philadelphia is excited to offer families in Philadelphia an unmatched level of dental care! The practice is fortunate to house five skilled specialists: Dr. Karina Aloian, Dr. Alexander Genkin, Dr. Igor Plotnik, Dr. Margarita Levites, and Dr. Alexander Zilberman. They’re thrilled to provide patients with a wide range of available services, including restorative options like dentures. If you have any questions about dentures or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or someone you know, don’t hesitate to contact the practice today for additional information. Bustleton Location Telephone: (215) 677-3904.