Dentures After Teeth Extractions: All About Temporary and Permanent Dentures

How long does it takes to get dentures after teeth are pulled? The short answer is that you can get dentures immediately after your extractions. However, there's a little more to it than that. In fact, there is a whole process to getting your long-term dentures.

You may or may not already know that permanent dentures cannot be fitted immediately after extractions. But don't worry, you won't be without teeth for long. And, if you still have some concerns, we'll answer the following questions and more in this article:

• How long does it take to get false teeth after extraction?
• What are immediate dentures?
• When will you get your temporary dentures?
• Is there a difference between NHS and private dentures?

Hopefully, this information will clear up any worries you have about missing teeth, temporary dentures and your final dentures.

How long does it take to get dentures after tooth extraction?

You can go home wearing dentures on the very same day you get teeth extracted. This is because you can get immediate dentures or ‘same day' dentures to wear while your teeth and mouth heal sufficiently.

Temporary dentures cancel out the waiting time for patients that need dentures. They allow people to feel confident in their appearance, as well as eat comfortably and speak clearly.

Immediate dentures quickly restore your smile, so you don't have to go without teeth while you heal. But, you may be wondering why you can't just get your long term false teeth right away.

Why can't dentures be fitted directly after a tooth extraction?

Permanent dentures are not fitted right away after a tooth extraction to allow the mouth time to settle down and heal. This also prevents ill-fitting and uncomfortable long term dentures.

Dentures fitted directly after dental work probably won't fit in a few months time. This is because your mouth may change shape as the gums heal and your natural remaining teeth move slightly. You may also experience bone loss in your jaw which would make your false teeth too big, or not fit correctly.

You can go home with temporary partial or full dentures on the same day as your teeth extractions. So, you don't need to worry about having missing teeth while you wait for your final false teeth.

What are immediate dentures?

Immediate dentures are fitted before any dental extractions so they can be put in place straight after. They are designed to be worn home from the dental practice on the same day to protect the shape of the mouth while it heals. These are not meant to be long-lasting false teeth, and it is normal for them to become loose as your gums heal.

Besides the obvious aesthetic reasons, immediate dentures also help to reduce the problems caused by missing teeth. These oral health problems include:

• Gum irritation
• Pressure on your remaining healthy teeth
• Bone recession in your jawbone
• Difficulty eating and speaking

Temporary dentures may not be your final dentures, but they help to reduce these problems. They also allow you to get used to wearing dentures as well as eating and speaking with them while you wait.

Permanent dentures

Once your mouth has healed sufficiently you will be fitted for your longer-lasting dentures. Whilst your immediate dentures are temporary, your final dentures should last several years with good care and maintenance. It's important to learn how to, and how not to clean dentures correctly as this will ensure they don't get damaged or break.

Permanent dentures are made from higher quality and more durable materials. This means that they should fit properly, look more realistic and last for several years. As temporary dentures are less durable, eating is a little more difficult with them and you may need to avoid chewy foods.

How long after extractions will you get your permanent dentures?

After any extractions, your gums and jaw may take up to 6 months to heal, and in some cases longer than this. But, once you have finished healing you will be fitted for your final dentures.

You will generally need to wear your temporary dentures for the full healing time before you can be fitted for long term dentures. This is so you can get the best possible fit when you are ready for your final dentures.

If you do end up waiting months to heal, your temporary dentures may need to be adjusted. Your dentist will need to check them regularly and if your short-term dentures begin to not fit properly, you will need to get them relined.

What are the differences between NHS and private dentures?

The NHS generally only offers immediate dentures to a patient if deemed medically necessary. This means that if you have a few teeth pulled, then it's possible you will be given a temporary denture. However, if you are only having one tooth extraction, the NHS claims there is no need for one while healing and waiting for your single tooth denture.

NHS vs private denture charges

Your dentures will be much more affordable with the NHS. However, you will may not always be offered immediate dentures unless you have had a few teeth removed. You may find that your NHS dentures don't fit correctly due to dentist time constraints, and limited choice in dentures.

If you opt for private treatment you will get same-day dentures, better quality permanent dentures and more time spent on fitting and making adjustments, but, they will cost more.

With the NHS, dentures are a band 3 treatment which will cost you £282.80. If you decide to take the private route for your dentures the prices range from £250 to £2,500 depending on the materials used and type of denture.

Conclusion

You can get an immediate denture on the same day as you get your teeth extracted. An immediate denture helps to keep the integrity of your gums, jawbone and remaining healthy teeth while you heal.

Temporary dentures may need to be relined over time as your mouth and teeth change shape and position. You will be fitted for your permanent denture once you have sufficiently healed. But, the healing process can be anything from a few weeks to months depending on the amount of dental work.

The process is similar if you go for NHS dentures, or private. But, you are more likely to get your dentures faster if you opt for private treatment, although it will cost more.