If you are missing most of your teeth, or your natural teeth will soon need to be extracted, it is to be expected that you are eager to rebuild your smile. Dentures can restore some of your chewing power and provide you with pleasing facial aesthetics. But how long will it take to get your prosthetic? The answer depends on a few different factors. This article explains a few basics about the denture creation process.
Preliminary Treatments
If you still have some of your natural teeth, but your dentist determines that they should be extracted, those extractions will be one of first steps on your way to getting dentures. Following your extractions, your mouth will need some time to heal before you get your dentures. Exactly how long the healing process takes will depend on your overall health and the state of your gums. Most patients wait an average of 6 – 8 weeks.
Immediate Dentures
If you do not wish to wait 6 – 8 weeks after extractions to replace your teeth, ask your dentist if you are a candidate for immediate dentures. These prosthetics are placed right after tooth extractions. They may require a little extra aftercare, and they can add to the total cost of your treatment. However, many patients who receive them feel that they are worth the price.
Conventional Dentures
If you are getting conventional, rather than immediate dentures, you can expect to attend several appointments as your dentist is designing your new teeth. The process involves taking detailed impressions and measurements, as well as creating a mockup to ensure a good fit. After your dentist is confident that the denture’s design is correct, a laboratory will fabricate your prosthetic. Depending on the exact details involved in designing and creating your denture, this entire process may take several weeks or longer.
What About Implant Dentures?
It takes longer to get implant dentures than conventional dentures. This is because the preliminary treatments for implant dentures, including an implant placement surgery, can be somewhat complex and might require a significant healing period. It may take several months for start to finish implant denture treatment. However, the many benefits that come with implant-supported prosthetics, such as stability and a strong bite, make them a highly desirable treatment option.
Talk to Your Dentist to Learn More
Because the timeline for dentures can vary so greatly from patient to patient, you can only gain a realistic idea of how long your treatment will take by visiting a qualified dentist. After they learn about your oral health and your goals for treatment, they should be able to make a fair guess as to how long it will be before you are the owner of a completely renewed smile.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. James Kalina is a highly experienced, highly skilled dentist in Mankato. He is proud to provide full dentures, partial dentures, and implant dentures. He has a keen eye for detail and wants every prosthetic he designs to be an ideal fit for its owner. To learn more about Dr. Kalina and how we may be able to serve you, contact our practice at 507-625-2021.
