Dentures are sometimes used for patients who have been missing teeth for a long time, but it’s just as common for patients to need a tooth extraction before getting their dentures. Removing and replacing teeth is common in restorative dentistry, but patients who are in this situation are often presented with a problem: how soon after the tooth extraction can they get their prosthetic?
There are a couple of options available to you, and picking between them often comes down to personal preference. Here’s some information that can help you to make that evaluation.
When Can I Get Dentures After a Tooth Extraction?
If you are recovering from a tooth extraction and can’t wait to get your dentures, there are two main options available to you. The first is to get your dentures immediately after the tooth extraction. In this case, the dentures will act like a bandage during the healing process.
The second is to wait until you’ve healed past a certain point to get your restoration.
Getting Dentures Immediately After a Tooth Extraction
In this scenario, you will have your restoration given to you as soon as the tooth extraction is done. You will usually have to wear your dentures for a full 24 hours after the procedure, which should be the only time that you would wear your dentures to bed.
A nice benefit of this strategy is that you never have to go without teeth. However, this is arguably the less comfortable option, as you’ll have to be willing to put your prosthetic on and take it off of a wound. You’ll also likely need more relinings than you would otherwise, as your gums will shrink as they heal.
Getting Dentures After You Heal
The other option is to wait until your gums have fully healed to get your dentures. This involves a bit less fuss—you’ll be much more comfortable once you finally get your dentures, which can make adapting to them considerably easier.
However, the obvious downside is that you’ll have to spend several months without any teeth, and the longer that it takes you to heal, the longer you’ll have to go without braces.
Ultimately, both options have legitimate benefits. When you talk with your dentist at a consultation, they’ll be able to give you specific guidance better tailored to you.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith comes to work every day excited to work with his incredible dental team to help his patients smile. He is deeply dedicated to his work and goes the extra mile to ensure that every patient he sees is completely comfortable. Dr. Smith received his degree from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and he worked at a variety of dental practices across Northeast Arkansas before starting his own.
If you have any questions about dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (870) 932-2644.