Insertion of an Immediate Denture

Keep the Denture in Place…
Bleeding
Rinsing
Retention
Bite Relationship
Sore Spots
Diet
Stitches
Post-Operative Appointments

Keep the Denture in Place…

You should leave your new denture in place for 24-48 hours, if possible. This allows the underlying tissues to better heal into the shape of your denture allowing for better stability.

If this becomes too uncomfortable, or if bleeding is a continued problem, the denture can be removed for short periods of time but should be reinserted as soon as tolerable.

After 2-3 days, the denture should be worn during the daytime only and left out at night.

Bleeding

“Biting” with your denture in place should control the bleeding adequately. However, if significant bleeding persists, despite this, the denture can be removed to enable you to bite on a gauze pad placed directly over the extraction sites for 20-30 minutes.

At the end of that time, remove the gauze. If the bleeding is well-controlled, replace your denture. If the bleeding continues, repeat with the gauze for an additional 20-30 minutes.

If the bleeding continues to be excessive, please call our office.

Rinsing

You may rinse gently with cold water when the denture is in place during the first 24 hours.

After that, rinsing with warm water several times a day (with or without the denture in place) will help keep the area clean. You may want to remove the denture briefly during the first 24-48 hours and rinse gently with a mouthwash solution to provide a fresher taste.

Retention

Your new denture may not fit as tightly as you would like. Remember, healing must occur before any judgment can be made about its long-term stability or fit.

Your general dentist may have to adjust the denture for the next several visits. In the meantime, if retention becomes a significant problem, a soft lining material may be placed to help improve the stability.

Bite Relationship

It will probably be necessary to have adjustments in the bite of your denture.

This should be done by your regular dentist, as he/she is most familiar with your proper jaw and tooth relationships.

Sore Spots

It is normal for sore spots to develop during the first two weeks or so.

This can generally be managed by adjustment of the denture (done by your general dentist). However, if a bone spicule or sharp area of tissue is causing the problem, this can be easily treated in our office.

Diet

You may begin taking liquids or soft foods almost immediately.

Most people progress slowly to a regular diet. This will generally take 10 days to several weeks depending upon your ability to tolerate the new denture, as well as the discomfort that you may experience when chewing with your new teeth.

Stitches

If stitches were placed, they will generally dissolve by themselves; however, if these stitches are either black or purple in color, we will remove them approximately 7-10 days after the surgical procedure.

Post-Operative Appointments

It is helpful that you see your regular dentist within the first few days after the insertion of your denture. At that time, the progress of the healing process will be evaluated and necessary adjustments made.

You will need to be followed closely for the first couple of weeks after the denture is inserted to ensure optimal healing.  You will also be seen in our office about 7-10 days after your surgery.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800.

The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth.

Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:

• The area operated on will swell reaching a maximum in two days. Swelling and discoloration around the eye may occur. The application of a moist warm towel will help eliminate the discoloration quicker. The towel should be applied continuously for as long as tolerable beginning 36 hours after surgery (remember ice packs are used for the first 36 hours only)
• If the corners of the mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment like Vaseline.
• There may be a slight elevation of temperature for 24-48 hours. If the temperature continues, notify our office.
• If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots and /or to adjust your bite relationship.