Tooth extractions can sound intimidating, but if you’ve been dealing with a bad tooth for a very long time, having it removed will free you from a lot of discomfort.
Dentures are one of the most common tooth replacement options, especially for patients who have recently had several teeth removed. You might wonder how soon after a tooth extraction you could get fitted for a dental prosthetic. Here’s a guide that can tell you everything you want to know.
How Long Do Tooth Extractions Need to Heal?
Everyone is different, but on average it takes anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks for wounds to close after a tooth extraction. It’ll take much longer for the bones to heal, anywhere from 6 to 8 months after the initial procedure.
How Long Before I Can Get Dentures After a Tooth Extraction?
First of all, it’s worth noting that the first set of dentures you get will be temporary, usually intended for your dentist to gauge what adjustments will need to be made for your more permanent set.
If you’d like, you can actually get your first set of dentures immediately after you have your teeth extracted. The prosthetic can act as a bandage, protecting the extraction wounds until they heal. However, this is likely going to be a little bit uncomfortable.
If you’d like, you can wait a few months for the wounds to close before you get your initial prosthetic. Your dentures will probably fit a little bit more comfortably, but you’ll have to go a few weeks without very many teeth.
In either case, your jaw is going to be shrinking and readjusting to not having teeth that were once there. That means making frequent trips to the dentist to have your dentures realigned.
How to Heal Properly
If you’re waiting for your extraction wounds to heal, you can’t really do much to make the process faster. That said, there are things that you can do so that you don’t actively slow healing down.
If you’re a smoker, try quitting until your wounds have healed. Nicotine reduces the blood flow to the jaw, impeding healing. You should also ensure that your dental hygiene is good to prevent infection. Manage these risk factors properly, and you should be able to recover from the tooth extractions in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Jennifer Pham’s favorite thing about being a dentist is her ability to weave art and science together to help her patients get the care that they deserve. Every day presents a new opportunity to make use of her incredible expertise. Dr. Pham completed her doctorate at the Temple University School of Dentistry. She’s currently a member of both the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions and dentures, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (703) 666-3867.