Immediate Denture Home Care
Home Care Instructions For Immediate Dentures
Provided by Julie M Gillis DDS Phone: (970) 242-3635
An Immediate denture is a denture inserted on the day of tooth extractions. The denture covers and protects the surgical sites and allows for immediate function. The patient does not have to go without teeth during the healing phase. There are a few important things to know about care of your immediate dentures and your mouth. Dental offices may vary in their instructions to patients. We have found the following to be very helpful.
Dentures come in all sized and colors. Take the time to care for your denture and your mouth and they will last a long time!
Instructions on Day of Insertion:
- Rest for the remainder of the day. Excessive activity may cause undue swelling and bleeding especially the first two days
- There will be some bleeding for 48 hours after surgery. Cover your pillow with a towel.
- You may be given a prescription for pain medication. Take this medication as directed.
- To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. After 48 hours, use warm moist heat, or a heating pad as needed.
- Food – A soft or liquid diet for 48 hours. Then take things gradually, working up to solid foods and chewing on both sides.
- You will be reappointed with your doctor 24 hours after surgery. DO NOT REMOVE DENTURES UNTIL THIS APPOINTMENT. If you must remove your dentures, replace within 5 minutes before the tissue can swell.
Denture Care After the 24-Hour Check:
- After the first day, you may remove your denture(s) and clean your mouth and dentures as often as you wish. A very soothing mouth rinse can be made by mixing ¼ tsp baking soda, 1/8 tsp salt, with 1 cup very warm water. Use frequently.
- Clean your denture with a denture brush and liquid soap. Clean your gums with a soft brush and mouth rinse or water. Don’t forget to clean your whole mouth and your tongue.
- Keep your denture(s) in your mouth at night until the surgical areas have healed, approximately 3 days. After that you can remove the dentures at night and place them in water or a denture cleaning solution.
- If sutures were placed, they will need to me removed 5 to 7 days after your surgery.
Regular Denture Care:
- As healing takes place, there will be some shrinkage of the bone and gums. Your denture(s) may feel loose. When most of the shrinkage has taken place (usually 3-6 months after surgery), the immediate denture should be relined with a more permanent material. You may use a denture adhesive to help your denture feel more stable. Additional reline(s) may be needed over time as your mouth changes
- Our office includes denture adjustments for 6 months. Ask your dentist what is included! For the best result, you must wear the denture for 4 hours prior to the adjustment appointment so the doctor can see where it is rubbing. Appointments after six months will incur an office visit charge plus charges for other treatment completed.
- Your dentures should be removed during sleep to allow better blood circulation to the gums and minimize bone loss.
- Always keep the dentures in water or cleaning solution when they are removed from the mouth to prevent drying out. Scrub your dentures gently everyday using a specialized denture cleaner or liquid soap. Clean your gums and mouth daily too.
- The body is always changing. Your gums will also change. We recommend that you have your dentures and your mouth checked yearly at our office. We will clean your denture and provide an oral cancer examination.
Please call our office at 970-242-3635 if you have any questions or concerns! Our office is located in the Grand Junction/ Palisade/ Fruita area of Colorado, but we see patients from many miles away also.