How Soon Can You Get a Dental Bridge After a Tooth Extraction?
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When a tooth is extracted, it's natural to start thinking about the next step, especially if the gap in your smile affects your appearance or ability to chew. At Tupelo Smiles, our experienced dentists — Dr. Richard Caron, Dr. John Kenney, and Dr. Emilie Caron Russell —provide personalized options for tooth replacement, including traditional, Maryland, and removable dental bridges.
While we aim to help each patient enjoy a full, comfortable smile again as soon as possible after tooth extraction in Tupelo, MS, it is important to understand that your mouth may not be ready to support a bridge for about 4 – 6 weeks or longer in some cases. Still, we will work closely with you on temporary solutions and other strategies to minimize disruptions in the meantime. Take a closer look at the timeline for getting a dental bridge after a tooth is pulled below.
How long should you wait after a tooth extraction to get a bridge?
For most patients, it takes around 4 – 6 weeks after a simple tooth extraction before the area is ready for a dental bridge. If your extraction was more complex — such as a surgical removal that involved gum incisions or bone shaping — healing may take closer to 10 – 12 weeks. During this time, the tissues need to stabilize so your bridge can be placed securely and comfortably. Rushing the process of getting a dental bridge could lead to a poor fit, especially if the gums are still shifting. Throughout the course of your treatment and care, our team will monitor your healing and let you know when it's the right time to begin the bridge process.
What kind of dental bridge can you get after a tooth extraction?
Our practice offers several types of bridges to accommodate the many different needs of our patients. Some of the most popular types of dental bridges include:
- Traditional fixed bridges
- Maryland bonded bridges
- Removable partial bridges
Each option is custom-designed for a smile. Traditional bridges are made of a series of crowns joined together and anchored to neighboring teeth. Maryland bridges involve bonding a false tooth to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal preparation. Removable dental bridges — sometimes referred to as partial dentures — can be taken in and out of the mouth and are often used when multiple teeth are missing. To ensure the best fit and appearance possible, we use digital iTero® impressions, which are more comfortable than traditional molds and provide greater precision and accuracy.
Can implant-supported bridges be placed sooner or later than traditional ones?
Implant-supported bridges follow a different timeline. After extraction, the dental implant post is typically placed once healing is sufficient — and then needs several months to integrate with the bone. Most patients can expect to wait about 3 – 6 months before an implant-supported bridge is ready to be attached. While this approach takes longer, many patients appreciate the added stability and longevity of dental implants, especially when replacing multiple teeth or avoiding stress on neighboring teeth.
Do you get a temporary bridge before your permanent bridge?
If you're concerned about appearance, speech, or chewing function while waiting for your new bridge, we may recommend a temporary solution. Temporary bridges can be made to restore your smile during the healing phase, allowing you to go about your daily life with more comfort and confidence. Again, we'll discuss your options for dental bridges during your consultation and help you find the right solution for your timeline and lifestyle.
Facing tooth extraction? Regain your confidence sooner than you may think with a dental bridge in Tupelo, MS
If you've had a tooth extracted and are ready to restore your smile, a custom dental bridge may be the next step. At Tupelo Smiles, our skilled team is here to guide you through the process — from comfortable extractions to precisely crafted restorations using advanced iTero® digital scanning. Contact us today to schedule a visit with any of our Tupelo, MS restorative dentists, Dr. Richard Caron, Dr. John Kenney, and Dr. Emilie Caron Russell, and find out when a dental bridge may be right for you.