--- In Denture_Dentures@yahoogroups.com, "Allen Darman" <allen_dar@y...> wrote:
> 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?


Either can do the pulling -- a regular dentist pulled mine (just uppers).
>

> How long does it normally take for one's mouth to fully heal from
> getting all of one's teeth pulled?

My gum healed in a few weeks.

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.

My dentist pulled the sides first and left the front teeth in until my gums
healed, then he pulled the front teeth and put the denture in. That worked well
for me.
>
> 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.

In my area, an upper denture costs about $800.
>
> 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 recommend that you talk with 2 or 3 dentists before you decide anything.

>
> 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


Allen, see my comments above mixed in with your text.

Paul