You only have a few natural teeth left, and your dentist has told you that your best option is to remove them and replace them with dentures. However, you’re not sure how long you have to wait after tooth extraction to get your permanent restoration. You’re also unsure how to adjust to life with dentures, or any part of the denture process, really. That’s why a dentist is here to answer your denture questions.
How Long Do You Have to Wait After Having Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?
Overall, the entire denture process will take a few weeks to a couple of months. Your dentures will usually not be able to be placed immediately following the extraction of your natural teeth, in order to give your gums time to heal. In some cases, your dentist will be able to fit you with a temporary denture, so you don’t have to go too long without some kind of teeth. However, your permanent denture will likely not be ready for a few weeks.
What You Can Expect During the Healing Process
After you get teeth extracted, you should keep gentle pressure on the extraction sites for the rest of the day. Replace the gauze every half hour or so as needed to contain any bleeding. If you have been given temporary dentures, keep them in for the first 24 hours. Stick with soft foods at first.
On the second and third days, remove your temporary dentures three times a day to rinse them off. While they are out, gently rinse your mouth with saltwater. Be sure not to spit too hard, as that could dislodge the forming blood clots and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
After the third day, you can use a little more force when rinsing. Every time you remove your dentures, use a clean fingertip to gently rub your gums. Continue to wear your dentures 24 hours a day for the first week. After that, you can remove them while you sleep to give your oral tissues a chance to rest.
Tips for New Denture Wearers
It takes a while to get used to a new appliance in your mouth, and dentures are no exception. Here are some tips to help your mouth adjust:
- Try reading aloud slowly at home, getting used to pronouncing certain words.
- Cut your food into small pieces.
- Chew evenly with both sides of your mouth.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dry mouth.
- Avoid very sticky and hard foods.
- Soak your dentures in cleanser when you’re not wearing them.
- Visit your dentist if your dentures are causing any discomfort.
It can take some time to recover from tooth extraction and to get used to dentures. That’s why your dentist is here to help you every step of the way. Contact them if you have any questions at all.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Nawrocki received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2008 from the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. He later returned to earn his Special Certificate in Prosthodontics, or the creation of artificial teeth. In 2010, he obtained a Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantology. If you have any questions about your dentures, or the denture process in general, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Nawrocki here or call (386) 677-1046.