A full mouth extraction (FME) is a multi-stage process that can span from a few weeks to well over a year. This procedure involves the removal of all remaining teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. Deciding to proceed with an FME initiates a complex timeline involving preparation, surgery, immediate recovery, and a comprehensive reconstruction phase. The overall duration is determined by pre-surgical planning, the complexity of the extraction procedure, and the body’s natural healing progression before permanent prosthetics can be placed.
The Necessary Pre-Extraction Planning
The timeline formally begins with the initial consultation and necessary preparation, which can take several weeks before the surgical date. The dental team conducts a thorough review of the patient’s full medical history, noting any conditions that might affect surgery or healing, such as diabetes or blood thinners. Precise diagnostic imaging is obtained, typically including panoramic X-rays and often a Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan, to assess the quality and volume of the jawbone and the exact positioning of the teeth roots.
This information is used to develop a detailed treatment plan, which includes selecting the appropriate sedation method, ranging from intravenous (IV) sedation to general anesthesia. Planning involves discussing the post-extraction restoration options, such as conventional dentures or implant-supported prosthetics. If immediate dentures are planned, impressions and measurements are taken so the prosthetics can be fabricated before the surgery date. This careful pre-surgical preparation ensures the procedure is carried out safely and sets expectations for the eventual restoration of function and appearance.
Surgical Duration and Influencing Variables
The actual time spent in the operating chair for a full mouth extraction is highly variable, but for the removal of 28 to 32 teeth, the procedure typically takes between one and four hours. This duration is influenced by the number of teeth requiring surgical removal, which is necessary for impacted teeth or those fractured below the gum line. A surgical extraction requires an incision and sometimes the removal of bone or the sectioning of the tooth.
The type of anesthesia used also impacts the total time, as the patient needs preparation and recovery time within the surgical suite. Teeth with long, curved, or multi-rooted structures, particularly molars, require more time and effort to safely detach from the alveolar bone. The patient’s individual anatomy and the extent of any existing infection are primary determinants of the final surgical duration. The goal of the surgical time is not only the complete removal of all teeth but also the careful smoothing and contouring of the jawbone to prepare the site for comfortable prosthetic fitting.
Immediate Post-Operative Healing
Following the surgery, the immediate recovery phase begins, focusing on managing swelling, pain, and ensuring the formation of a stable blood clot in each socket. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most intense, with patients needing to rest and carefully follow instructions to avoid dislodging the protective blood clots, a condition known as a dry socket. Swelling often peaks between 48 and 72 hours post-surgery, and managing it with cold compresses and prescribed medications is a primary focus.
The gum tissue starts to seal over the extraction sites quickly, with much of the surface healing occurring within the first one to two weeks. If non-dissolvable sutures were used, they are typically removed around seven to ten days after the procedure. During this initial period, patients must adhere to a diet of soft and liquid foods to prevent damage to the healing tissues and avoid strenuous activity. The acute recovery phase is considered complete once the initial trauma to the soft tissue has resolved, allowing patients to return to non-strenuous daily activities.
The Comprehensive Reconstruction Timeline
The final and longest phase of the timeline involves the healing and remodeling of the jawbone, which is necessary before permanent prosthetics can be successfully placed. Once the natural teeth are removed, the bone that once supported them, known as the alveolar ridge, is no longer stimulated and begins a process of resorption. The highest rate of bone loss, particularly in width, occurs within the first six months following the extraction.
For the placement of conventional dentures, this bony remodeling takes approximately three to six months to stabilize, allowing the soft tissues to fully mature before a final prosthetic is fabricated. If the plan involves dental implants, the timeline is extended to allow for osseointegration, where the jawbone fuses directly with the implant surface. This fusion period typically requires three to six months before the implant is stable enough to support a permanent crown or denture. The entire comprehensive process, from initial consultation through the final placement of prosthetics, can range anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the need for bone grafting or the type of final restoration chosen.