Immediate Dentures Post-Operative Instructions

After Placement of An Immediate Denture

1. For the first 24 hours, you should not remove your immediate denture from your mouth. By removing the denture, swelling may occur, making it difficult or impossible to replace it. Some blood oozing around the denture is normal and is not cause for concern. In the case of severe bleeding, contact your dentist/surgeon immediately.

Your immediate denture replaces missing teeth, protects the surgical site, and controls swelling and bleeding. The denture must remain in place to be effective.

1. For 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth; continue carefully brushing your remaining teeth. We will see you for your 1st follow-up after 24 hours. After 48 hours, gently rinse your mouth with a lukewarm salt-water solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in an eight-oz. glass of lukewarm water). Rinse 3-4x a day for 4-5 days. Take care not to strain your mouth with force.
2. After extractions, do not smoke or suck on a straw. Avoid hot or carbonated beverages. All of these things can dislodge blood clots that are necessary for the healing process.
3. Take all medications as prescribed by your dentist. The pain level and intensity will vary greatly depending on several factors. Some pain and discomfort are to be expected following oral surgery procedures.

Provided you have not had any adverse reactions to any NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) and related medication, follow the Pain Management Protocol that has been provided to you by your dentist or surgeon.

1. Swelling is expected for up to one week after oral surgery, with maximum swelling usually 2-3 days after surgery. The swelling will resolve over the next 4-7 days. Apply an ice bag to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes, then leave it off for 15-20 minutes. Repeat for 24 hours, and then discontinue using the ice. This will reduce discomfort, bleeding, and swelling.
2. Soft foods that don’t require chewing are recommended for the first few days. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Ensure you drink plenty of water, but avoid going on a liquid diet. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24 to 48 hours. You may resume regular physical activity as tolerated three days after your surgery. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call our office at 613-735-4034 or email us at dentures@ov-dc.ca

DENTURES – WHAT TO EXPECT

• UPPER DENTURE FIT – Your new partial/complete denture may feel awkward or bulky. This is normal, and you will eventually become accustomed to wearing it. You may be instructed to wear it continuously at first, including at night. This helps identify areas of pressure that may require adjustment.
• LOWER DENTURE FIT – Unlike upper dentures, which benefit from the entire roof of the mouth for added stability, lower dentures rely mainly on the jawbone, tongue, and gravity to stay in place. Because the tongue takes up much of the available space, there’s limited surface area for the lower denture to rest on, making it naturally less secure. As a result, lower dentures tend to be less stable without the support of natural teeth or dental implants. If restoring natural teeth isn’t an option, an implant-supported lower denture is often recommended for improved retention. If implants aren’t feasible, denture adhesives may be necessary to help reduce movement, shifting, or dislodgement during everyday use.
• GAGGING – It’s not uncommon to experience a gagging sensation with a new denture. This feeling usually fades on its own within about two weeks as your mouth adjusts.
• DENTURE TEETH – Complete dentures are supported by soft tissue, not teeth or bone, which limits their strength and function. The front denture teeth are primarily for appearance and speech, rather than for biting or chewing. If you wear both upper and lower dentures, it’s best to use the back teeth for chewing (see the Diet section below for more guidance). Biting into foods like sandwiches with the front teeth can cause the dentures to shift or come loose, since they’re not firmly anchored and can move under pressure.
• SORE SPOTS – If your denture places too much pressure on a specific area, it can cause soreness. Your Denturist can adjust the fit to relieve the discomfort and improve overall comfort. After adjustments, it’s typically recommended to remove your denture at night to allow the oral tissues to rest and wear it again in the morning.
• DIET – Denture teeth are different from natural teeth in that they rest on the gums, rather than being anchored into the jawbone. Because of this, they can handle much less chewing force—natural teeth are estimated to be at least six times stronger. As a result, chewing ability with dentures is reduced. To make eating easier and more comfortable, stick to soft foods and cut them into small pieces before placing them on the back teeth to chew. Using the front denture teeth to bite can cause the dentures to shift or dislodge. Avoid hard or sticky foods and be sure to rinse your dentures after every meal to keep them clean.
• SPEECH – If you have difficulty pronouncing certain words, it is advisable to practice reading aloud. Repeating the challenging words regularly will help you become accustomed to speaking clearly with your denture. With time and consistent practice, your speech will improve. You can also visit our website for the FAQ questions for more information. 
• RELINE – During the healing period, your gums will undergo significant changes. Your gums are expected to shrink significantly for the first 6 to 12 months after extraction. Your dentures will progressively become looser and require relining to restore stability and retention. A reline is a standard and essential procedure in which the inner surface of your denture is reshaped to better conform to the current contours of your mouth. This adjustment helps improve comfort, fit, and function. Please note that this is a separate procedure from the initial fabrication of your dentures and is not included in the original treatment estimate.
• REPLACEMENT – In many cases, it is difficult, but not impossible, to meet a client’s cosmetic, stability, and retentive expectations. In these cases, we recommend having a replacement permanent denture made 6-12 months after the extraction sites have healed and the gums have returned to their normal size. When necessary, the treatment plan will be discussed with you before your extractions. Although this treatment plan has a higher cost, it delivers a much better final result.

For more information call our office at 613-735-4034.

• HOME CARE – Remove your dentures before going to sleep each night. Gently massage and brush your gums with a soft toothbrush to promote blood circulation after wearing dentures during the day. Clean your dentures daily to prevent permanent staining. To maintain their shape, dentures must be kept moist when not in use. Store them in a case with a small amount of water to prevent drying out. Clean your dentures using dishwashing soap, your fingers, and a denture brush—avoid using regular toothpaste, as it can be too abrasive. After brushing, you may soak your dentures overnight in a dedicated denture cleaner. We recommend Novadent for optimal results.

ADJUSTMENTS, RELINE, AND REPLACEMENT –

Over time, adjustments to your denture may become necessary. As you age, natural changes in your mouth can affect the fit of your denture. Bone and gum ridges tend to recede, which may cause your denture to fit poorly. For newer dentures, adjustments and relines usually provide a satisfactory solution. However, like most dental appliances, dentures may need to be replaced periodically to accommodate changes in your oral tissues.

We offer free adjustments for the first three months following denture delivery.

If your dentures do not fit properly, your Denturist will need to make necessary adjustments. Poorly fitting dentures can lead to complications, including sores and infections. It is essential to consult your Denturist promptly if your denture becomes loose and to schedule regular follow-up visits for optimal oral health.

Remember: Attempting to adjust or repair your denture at home can cause damage to the appliance and potentially compromise your oral health. Do-it-yourself repair kits may irreparably harm the denture, and over-the-counter glues often contain harmful chemicals that should never be applied to dentures. If your denture breaks, cracks, chips, or if a tooth becomes loose, contact your Denturist immediately. In many cases, necessary adjustments or repairs can be completed the same day. More complex repairs may require sending the denture to a specialized dental laboratory or may necessitate a replacement.