Instructions Following Immediate Denture Placement

  • Biting pressure on the denture will promote clotting and will decrease the initial flow of blood. Slight bleeding can be expected to last up to 2-3 days though. If swelling occurs, place an ice bag (or chopped ice in a towel) on the swelling site. Alternate applying the ice for 10 minutes and leaving the ice off for 10 minutes – for about 3-4 hours. Repeat this process if necessary for the first 36 hours.
  • Remember to take your chosen over-the-counter pain medication, as discussed. You may have also been given a prescription for a stronger pain medication. If there is still a slight bit of discomfort after using the over-the-counter medication, have the prescription filled and use it as needed and as directed. If you were given a prescription for antibiotics, you must take them as directed and until they are all gone so that the infection won’t take over, even if the area feels fine. Remember, when you don’t finish a prescription for antibiotics, you risk the chance of reinfection.
  • For the first 48 hours, DO NOT smoke or drink through a straw. DO NOT drink alcohol, pop or hot liquids. DO NOT blow your nose or spit excessively. All these things can cause the blood clot over the surgical site to be lost and pain may occur from a dry socket.
  • DO NOT take the denture out for 24 hours, but rinse your mouth with warm salt water before going to bed.
  • DO maintain a soft diet for the first week. Drink plenty of liquids.
  • After 24 hours, carefully remove the denture twice a day and clean the denture with a denture cleanser or a low abrasion denture brush. Rinse your mouth each time with warm salt water. Put denture back in within 10 minutes
  • Sleep with the denture in your mouth for the first week. After this initial period, you should take the denture out each night when sleeping in order to relax the gum tissue.
  • Due to the gum/bone shrinkage that occurs within the first 6 months, you may go through periods when the denture will be loose fitting. Denture adhesives can be used during this time, as long as extraction site are fully healed.
  • Following the gum/bone shrinkage period (approximately 6 months) a more permanent reline can be placed.
  • You may experience sore spots caused by the denture being too long or from uneven pressure being applied to the healing gum tissue. We will adjust the denture as these problems occur. Just give our office a call to set up an appointment 918-352-3312