Dentures or partials

Dentures or partials POST-insertion instructions

A prosthetic appliance made to replace natural teeth will never work as well as your natural teeth. The chewing forces are now supported by the gums rather than the teeth.

There is always an adaptation period before you feel comfortable wearing your new prosthesis (about 6 weeks). Your mouth must get used to the appliance and must adapt to new patterns of chewing, talking, etc.

A lower partial or denture is always more difficult to get used to due to anatomical factors. (presence of the tongue, less surface for support)

Tips:

Eat soft food for the first few days. Avoid hard foods such as peanuts, steak, etc.

Your prosthesis may require a few adjustments before they sit comfortably in your mouth. If it hurts, you may take it out or wear it for a shorter time. However, I would ask you to please wear it at least 6 hours before your adjustment appointment so that we may identify where it is hurting you.

For the first three weeks, wear your prosthesis at night and day removing it only for cleaning.

Home care:

Take off your prosthesis at night so that your gums may breathe.

Place your prosthesis in water when you remove them for long periods. This will avoid distortion.

Every day, clean your prosthesis with a brush over a sink full of water to cushion the shock if you drop it.

For a more thorough cleaning, you can use commercial products such as Poli-Dent.

Never put your dentures in bleach.

Please call the office if you have any questions.

IMMEDIATE Dentures Post-Insertion Instructions

Do not rinse today. Avoid extremely hot foods or liquids. 

Some swelling may occur during the first two days. For today, apply an ice pack to the outside of the face, 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, as often as possible. Do not use ice after the first 24 hours. 

Ordinarily, slight oozing may be noticed around the surgical site. Do not be alarmed. Do not try to stop the bleeding by rinsing. Apply pressure with gauze or a wet tea bag. If the bleeding does not stop, call the office. 

You were given a prescription for pain medication, and possibly an antibiotic. Severe swelling, difficulty in breathing, or appearance of a rash indicate an allergic response to the medication. Discontinue use at once and immediately seek medical attention. 

Please refrain from smoking during the post-operative period. Avoid alcoholic beverages during this time, especially if you take medication. 

Do not remove the denture until the morning following the surgery. This will prevent the extraction sites from swelling. 

Remove the denture the morning following surgery and brush the inside and outside surfaces of the denture with toothpaste. At this time you may rinse out and clean the rest of your teeth as usual, but do not attempt to brush near the treated area. You may gently swab the area with a cotton tip applicator moistened in Listerine. 

The denture is not to be worn at night while sleeping except for the first night following surgery. 

The denture should be cleaned twice daily with toothpaste and left to soak in water (preferably with Efferdent) at night. 

Until you return for post-operative care, eat softer than normal foods. Do all chewing on the untreated side of your mouth. Avoid foods that are hard, sharp, spicy, or very hot. 

Please call the office if you have any questions.