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Aftercare for Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are complete or partial dentures that are inserted immediately following the removal of your natural teeth. Your dentures are like a Band-Aid because they will protect the tissues of your gums and reduce the amount of bleeding that is common after teeth are pulled. It is very important to care for your mouth immediately after the extraction of your teeth and placement of the dentures.

  1. The First Few Days

    • The dentist will advise you to leave your dentures in for the first 24 hours after they are inserted. This will control the bleeding, and it should cause a minimal amount of discomfort. You should expect some swelling. Applying an ice pack to your jaw for 15 minutes off and on should slowly reduce the swelling. The doctor will prescribe Tylenol or a pain pill to help you manage the pain you will experience. After the first day, you can begin to remove the dentures four or five times a day and rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Do this consistently for the first week, and then do it daily for as long as you feel the need.

    The First Two Weeks After Immediate Dentures

    • The dentist will let you know if there were sutures placed in your gums. They will dissolve on their own, or the dentist will have you return in about a week to remove them for you. You should eat soft foods only for the first week, and then gradually eat other foods as you determine what your mouth can handle. You should also take up to 1000 mg of Vitamin C every day for the first one to two weeks. This will promote and aid the healing of your mouth. Avoid smoking for 48 hours, and keep your tongue away from the sockets and stitches until your mouth is healed.

    Getting Used to Your New Dentures

    • New dentures are uncomfortable for the first several weeks. It may take quite a while to get used to eating with your new dentures. A denture adhesive may be necessary to help hold your dentures in place. If you find that you have sore spots on your gums, contact your dentist so she can take care of it right away. Your dentures are going to feel large and bulky until your gums heal and lightly shrink. The dentist will reline your dentures after your gums are healed; in fact, you may have to have them lined several times until they are a good fit. Healing from extractions takes up to 18 months to heal completely.

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