If you already wear dentures, you understand how essential they are for eating, speaking, and maintaining your appearance. However, if you are new to the denture process and preparing for tooth extractions, you may have concerns about what happens next. One of the most common questions is how long it takes to get dentures after teeth are pulled.
In most cases, dentures cannot be fitted immediately after an extraction because the gums and jawbone need time to heal before a properly fitting set can be placed. The timeline for getting dentures depends on the type of dentures, the healing process, and overall oral health.
Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision and prepare for a smooth transition to dentures. This guide will explain each step of the process, what to expect, and how to choose the right denture option for your needs.
The timeline for getting dentures varies depending on the type of denture chosen. Knowing the different options allows you to plan your treatment and recovery effectively.
Immediate dentures, also known as same-day dentures, are placed within 24 hours after tooth extraction. These dentures are pre-made before the extraction procedure and offer an instant solution for patients who do not want to be without teeth while their gums heal. Immediate dentures help protect gum tissue, minimize swelling, and allow patients to adjust to speaking and chewing sooner. However, because gums shrink as they heal, these dentures often require multiple adjustments and may need to be replaced within a year.
Full dentures are fitted six to twelve weeks after tooth extraction once the gums have fully healed. Waiting for complete healing ensures a more accurate fit and long-term comfort. Unlike immediate dentures, full dentures require fewer adjustments over time, making them a more stable long-term solution. However, patients must go without teeth for several weeks before they can be fitted with these dentures.
Partial dentures are typically placed six to eight weeks after extraction and are designed for individuals who still have some natural teeth remaining. These dentures are customized to fill in missing gaps while preserving the remaining natural teeth.
One of the key benefits of partial dentures is that they help maintain tooth alignment and provide stability for chewing and speaking. Since some natural teeth are retained, the healing process is generally shorter compared to full dentures. However, partial dentures require the remaining natural teeth to be in good condition, and periodic adjustments may be necessary as the gums continue to heal.
Implant-supported dentures provide the highest level of stability and function, but they require three to six months after extraction for placement. This is because dental implants must integrate with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration before the final dentures can be secured.
The primary benefit of implant-supported dentures is that they prevent bone loss in the jaw, provide superior chewing function, and last much longer than traditional dentures. However, they involve a longer treatment process and a higher cost compared to conventional dentures.
After tooth extraction, the gums and jawbone undergo a healing phase before dentures can be fitted. Here is what to expect during the recovery period:
Patients opting for implant-supported dentures will require an additional healing period for the jawbone to integrate with the implants before the final prosthetic teeth are placed.
In many cases, patients do not have to go without teeth while waiting for permanent dentures. Immediate dentures can be placed on the same day as extractions, offering a temporary solution while the gums heal. However, these dentures may require adjustments over time as the gums shrink.
The timeline for dentures varies. Immediate dentures can be placed within 24 hours, while conventional full dentures require 6 to 12 weeks of healing before fitting. Partial dentures take around 6 to 8 weeks, and implant-supported dentures require 3 to 6 months for proper integration.
Gums typically heal within 6 to 12 weeks after extractions, but complete bone healing can take several months. Patients choosing implant-supported dentures may need additional healing time before the final prosthetic is placed.
Call us now at (825) 798-0564 or visit our clinic at 185 East Hills Blvd SE, Unit 20, Calgary, Alberta T2A 6Z8 for expert dental care.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a Registered Dentist on January 19, 2025
