My teeth are ruined. I have eight missing teeth, and half of the ones left are no good. I’m tired of checking options for partial dentures and single implants. It will be cheaper and less stressful for me to get all my teeth pulled and get dentures. I am concerned about how long it will take and how long I might be without teeth. How long will it all take? Thanks. Trent

Trent,

Thank you for contacting Pumphrey Periodontics in Atlanta about getting all your teeth pulled and dentures.

How Long Will It Take to Get Your Teeth Pulled and Dentures?

How long it takes to get your teeth pulled and get dentures depends on several factors, including the following:

• Your oral health – Before tooth removal, your dentist will evaluate your gum and bone health. For example, a dentist will want to treat gum disease before recommending other treatments that can aggravate it. You need good oral health to support wearing dentures.
• Your denture choice – You will choose denture quality and denture teeth. The most natural-looking dentures take longer for a dental lab to craft. Your dentist can provide temporary dentures while you wait for the final ones.
• Your dentist’s treatment philosophy – Your dentist will develop a treatment plan and discuss the timeline for getting dentures. It may take three to six months before you can wear a denture. Some patients qualify for immediate dentures.
• Whether you choose to support your denture with implants – After years of missing teeth, your jawbone shrinks beneath the spaces. If you want to anchor your dentures with dental implants, your dentist will include bone grafting in your treatment plan. A bone graft builds up the bone for supporting implants and ensures your denture will be stable. A technique like All-on-4 dental implants may help you get implant dentures without bone grafting. Implant dentures help prevent facial sagging.

We recommend consulting with a dentist about tooth removal and dentures. You can also ask about dental implants that anchor your denture and support your long-term oral health. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist (gum and implants specialist) for dental implant surgery.

 

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.