Planning on getting custom-fit dentures from Access Dental and Dentures? We have all the information for exactly what you can expect after your denture procedure. As the dental practice with the best locations in southern Missouri (we have four!), we make sure you are happy with your smile, and that you enjoy great oral health. Check out this resource from our team about how to care for your dentures immediately after your procedure, and give us a call if you have any questions!
Pain and Swelling
Please leave the immediate dentures in place for 24 hours after your teeth have been
removed. The dentures will act as a bandage to protect the extraction sites and to prevent swelling. The
dentures will limit the bleeding and swelling with their splinting. Ice packs placed on the face in the
extraction areas for 10-15 minute intervals will help minimize the pain. Please follow pain medication
instructions as prescribed by your doctor.
Rinsing
DO NOT RINSE YOUR MOUTH in the first 24 hours, as this may dislodge the clots in the tooth
socket. The result is a dry socket, which can be very painful. This rarely happens but when it does, it is
usually the result of smoking. If you feel the need to remove the dentures, remember to rinse them quickly
with cold water and reinsert immediately. If you cannot insert the denture, wait for your dentist to help
you. Place a towel on your pillow, because it is normal to have some oozing of blood.
Diet
In the first 24 hours, your diet should consist of non-carbonated, cold beverages (i.e. ice tea) and
soft foods. Progress diet as healing allows.
Denture and Mouth Care
After initial the 24 hours, use a denture brush that is contoured to clean your
denture and an ADA approved denture-cleaning solution. Clean dentures twice a day. For the 1st week
please only remove the dentures to clean them and then place them back in your mouth. Leaving the
dentures out for an extended period may result in increased swelling and inability reinsert the dentures.
After 1 week: Please begin removing your denture at night. Exposure to oxygen is best for your gums.
When the denture is out of your mouth, place in water to prevent the acrylic from drying out.
Bite
In the first 24 hours, the dentures may not feel right. You may also experience salivation and gagging
for the first few days. Your dentist will adjust your denture over the next couple of appointments. Please be
patient as you heal. The doctor and his staff will help you adjust to your new prosthesis.
Healing
As you are healing, the swelling is reduced, and the extraction sites will begin to close. The
dentures may begin to slip or feel big. You may purchase denture adhesive at your local drugstore. Please
use as directed. During the initial stages of healing while the extraction sites re open, please do not place
denture adhesive over the extraction sites or in the denture area that sits on the extraction sites. Denture
adhesive can be irritating to open sockets and may cause infection. You will also need to clean the denture
adhesive completely off the denture and your tissue before reapplying. Over the next 3-6 months, you
will have many changes in your mouth. Remember the removal of teeth involves bones and bone requires 6
months to completely heal.
Chewing
You will learn to chew your food on both sides of your mouth with your dentures. You will
learn to master this quickly if you like to eat. There are four major muscles and several minor muscles
associated with chewing and they will adapt over time to your prosthesis.
Speech
You may notice a lisp or slurring of your speech in the first days of wearing your denture. This is
normal and will disappear as you adjust to your denture.
Remember
The lower denture is held in place by your tongue and your cheeks. Some patients can
master this technique quickly and for others it takes some time. You will never have complete seating of the
lower denture because there is no possibility of “suction” like that obtained in the upper denture unless
you have implants placed. Immediate Dentures require a reline after 6 months. For some patients with a
large amount of bone loss, a small amount of adhesive will always be necessary.
Best Custom Dentures in Missouri
Access Dental and Dentures makes our dentures and removable partials right in our own on-site, professional dental lab. Because our technicians are on-site, you don't have to wait days or weeks for your new set of dentures. In fact, we typically can have your new teeth ready the next day, if not the day-of! We can also then make adjustments for the perfect fit while you wait. To get the best custom dentures in Missouri, call Access Dental and Dentures! 1-877-DENTIST
