Dear group:

I am at the point in my life where I am strongly considering getting
all of my teeth pulled and getting dentures, full plates both top
and bottom. I sure could use a little bit of advice on this. I
would greatly appreciate any responses to the questions below.

I have 10 teeth left on top and 11 teeth on the bottom. Do these
teeth normally get pulled all at once?

Whom does one see to do this, a dentist or an oral surgeon?

How long does it normally take for one's mouth to fully heal from
getting all of one's teeth pulled? Does the fact I am a cigarette
smoker matter here, and if so, how much?

I am thinking of "going toothless" for three months or so, and then
getting full plates fitted. Is this a good idea vs. having plates
put in the same day that one's teeth are pulled? I am not worried
about the cosmetic aspect of going around without teeth for 90 days
or so, I'd just like my first dentures to fit as well as possible.

Does anyone have some idea of the cost of getting 21 teeth pulled
all at once? ... even a general range would be helpful here

What does a medium quality set of full upper and lower plates
cost? ... even a general range would be helpful here.

I don't know anything about dentures at all, nor do I know whom to
ask the above very basic questions. I don't even know if I should
go to a dentist for advice at this point, or first go see an oral
surgeon to get my teeth removed.

I am a 51 year old male located in the U.S (upstate NY). I know
it's a bit young to lose all of my teeth, but they have been bad
since my late teens, I now have at least four teeth that really need
pulling soon, and my gums are not too great as well. It's denture
time, no doubt about it.

I would greatly appreciate it if someone took a little time to give
me some advice on any and/or all of the above.

Sincerely,

Allen