Aftercare Instructions For an Immediate Denture & Extractions

First 24 Hours 

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. No spitting, smoking, or drinking through a straw for the next 24 hours. Protect the healing clot as much as possible to avoid the painful “dry socket”.  This can occur when the healing clot is dislodged. Avoid alcoholic beverages for the next 24 hours. Avoid any alcoholic beverages or mouthwash that contains alcohol for the next 24 hours. DO NOT REMOVE DENTURE FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS. After 24 hours remove denture and clean. Please try to wear denture as much as possible.

NO STRENUOUS OR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR 24 HOURS.  No heavy lifting, jogging, aerobics, etc.

Bleeding

Some bleeding is to be expected following an extraction. The denture will act as a bandage, but biting down on some gauze and keeping steady pressure will help to control the bleeding. The gauze should be changed every half hour, or as the gauze becomes saturated. After the bleeding has stopped, the gauze is no longer needed. Bleeding generally lasts 3-4 hours after an extraction. Avoid any hot liquids for 24 hours after an extraction. After 24 hours gently rinse out with warm salt water 2-3 times a day as needed, please be careful not to rinse too hard, and dislodge your clot. 

Anesthetics 

Your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the extraction. You will want to be careful not to bite your cheek, lip, or tongue. Do not eat any foods that require chewing while your mouth is numb. If the numbness does not go away in a few hours, contact your dentist.

Swelling

If you have any swelling after the extraction, you should use a towel filled with ice against the affected area for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Drink a lot of liquids, and be sure to avoid anything hot, or anything that contains alcohol. 

Diet

A soft diet is advisable for the first 24 hours. After that use good judgment, if it hurts to eat something, try something different. You may brush the unaffected areas as normal. 

Bony Edges

After teeth are extracted, you may feel a sliver like projections of bone in the mouth. These are not part of the tooth or roots. These are small pieces of bone that may work their way out. This is not abnormal, if this should occur and is uncomfortable, please call the office immediately. 

Medication 

You should take the full prescription. If pain medication is prescribed, take only as long as needed. If you have mild discomfort, Advil every 4 hours should be taken. 

When you should call the dentist

If you have any of the following issues call your dentist immediately. 

• Fever, nausea, or vomiting
• Ongoing or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding
• Pain that gets worse instead of better

Sore Spots 

Sore spots are expected after getting a new denture. Sore spots will not go away by themselves and will require an adjustment by your dentist. Please call the office immediately for adjustment. Over time the gums will heal, causing your new denture to feel loose. We will then recommend a reline for the denture to help with retention. This generally happens 4-6 months after extractions. 

Cleaning denture

 Dentures should be cleaned every day. We will send you home a denture kit which includes a denture brush, case, and denture adhesive. Make sure to brush your denture two times a day as you would brush your natural teeth, but do NOT use toothpaste to clean them as it is very abrasive. Brushing with water is fine and you can use a denture cleanser periodically. Make sure to keep denture soaked in water every night. Dentures should not be worn at night time. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.

Annual periodic exam with the Dentist

During this appointment your denture will be cleaned in the ultrasonic. The Doctor will do a clinical and Velscope exam, BP will be taken, and a Panorex xray will be taken every 5 years.