After a lower second molar extraction, how long can my top teeth hold up before I put dental implants? How can I prevent them to fall?

Answer 1

Hello, I was a certified dental assistant for 4 years and in that time worked as a clinical skills coordinator in the Dental Assisting Program at a local community college. Unfortunately, your teeth can shift within a couple of days of having that space open. The upper molars will not fall out, but they may drift downward and cause your bite to be off. A temporary and reasonably-priced solution may be to get a "flipper" or a small partial to fit in that space, keep it open, and keep your bite where it needs to be. A partial is a small denture-like appliance that replaces only a few teeth, rather than the entire arch. It can be taken in and out and washed. I would consult your dentist on if this is the right solution for you; hope this helps!