Dental issues can be very complex. What looked like a minor problem can lead to much worse issues in just a matter of a short time. In fact, at times, such cases could lead to full mouth extraction.
An oral surgeon, not a dentist, performs full mouth extraction and it can be haunting. The process includes the removal of all your teeth before placing a complete set of dentures. While it can be done in a single go, your dentist may ask you to schedule another appointment as it does require surgery.
In order to learn what to expect after full teeth extraction and how dentures are applied after the teeth extraction process, you need to go through this guide. We have provided all the information in detail.
Understanding Full Mouth Extraction
A full mouth extraction is a dental procedure performed to extract all your teeth and replace them with immediate dentures as per the patient’s instruction. It is a rather straightforward process and can be painless, depending on your chosen procedure.
Why do you need a Full Mouth Extraction?
There could be several reasons why one would need a full mouth extraction. Often times you need to get full mouth extraction to get dentures fitted. Other reasons could be:
- Periodontal disease
- Advanced decay
- Bone loss
- Trauma
- Infection or abscess
Full mouth extraction is done to cure extreme dental conditions. For instance, neglecting your oral care for years can cause infection or abscess, eventually leading to full mouth extraction. Therefore, keeping your dental health in check is advised to prevent extreme measures.
Full Mouth Extraction Procedure
First, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist for an initial consultation, where your dentist will examine your teeth and take an X-Ray to determine what route and procedure should be taken for smooth and painless extraction. Also, they will inquire about your medical history and if you have taken any medicines to avoid complications during the procedure.
After gathering all the necessary information, your dentist may begin the teeth extraction process during the same visit or will schedule another appointment for the procedure. To begin the procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthesia to desensitize the area. They may use other forms of sedatives during the procedure if the prior one wears off.
Depending on the situation, your dentist may first begin with a simple extraction procedure. However, when it’s a complicated case, they might need to make a slit into your gums to free the tooth and remove it completely.
Remember that a full mouth extraction is a sort of oral surgery. The patient cannot eat or drink anything for a minimum of 8 to 12 hours before the procedure. If you are on medications, your dentist will tell you in your initial consultation which medicines you need to avoid before and after your procedure.
Full Mouth Extraction Immediate Dentures
If you have been searching about full mouth extraction, you might have come across the term ‘immediate dentures’ for sure. Basically, immediate dentures are no different from normal dentures. Since they are applied right after tooth extraction until permanent dentures, they are called immediate dentures.
They stay good for 6 to 8 months and help your gums during the healing process. They support your bone structure and maintain its shape and integrity until your dentist prepares your permanent dentures.
Why are Immediate Dentures different from Conventional Dentures?
If you are wondering what the difference between immediate and conventional dentures is, here you go. Immediate dentures, also called one-day dentures, have a different application process than traditional ones. They are formed from the impressions taken before teeth extraction. Once your teeth are extracted, your dentist applies one-day dentures so that the patient leaves the clinic looking fresh and renewed.
How much do Immediate Dentures cost?
One-day dentures cost around $1900 for both upper and lower jaws, including the extraction process. That said, the cost may vary depending on your dental condition, the type of dentures you choose and your dentist's fee. They are a little on the expensive side due to their complex formation process. Also, you may need to re-visit your dentist in some cases for re-fitting and adjustments.
What to expect after Full Teeth Extractions?
Below we have broken down the recovery process into different stages.
-
Mandatory After-care Post-procedure:
Mild bleeding is common after tooth extraction. If you spot your treated areas bleeding, don’t panic, as it's common and can be stopped by biting a gauze for 30-45 minutes and changing it with a new one if the bleeding doesn’t stop.
Also, laying in a semi-reclined position will help control bleeding. Rinse your mouth often and use a straw at least 24 hours after the surgery.
-
Take Care of your Dentures:
24 hours after the surgery and dentures’ placement, make sure you don’t unnecessarily remove or displace them even if you are tempted to do so. The initial day after the surgery is extremely important. At this stage, you need to focus on healing. Hence you need to be extra careful with your dentures.
-
Rinse your Dentures and Use Warm Water:
After 2 or 3 days of your extraction and dentures placement, you need to start following an after-care regime that you were not allowed in the initial 24 hours of your surgery. Remove your dentures three times a day to rinse them off. Also, use lukewarm saline water to rinse your mouth to prevent the risk of infection and promote healing.
Conclusion
We should hope not, but a time may come in your life when you require a full mouth extraction due to any reason. Therefore, it is crucial to have full knowledge of the procedure and what to expect after it. Just make sure whenever such a situation comes up, you have an experienced dentist to consult with who makes your experience smooth and painless.