After-Care Instructions for Immediate Dentures
After receiving a partial or complete denture, follow these instructions for optimal treatment results:
- Biting pressure on the denture will promote clotting and will decrease the initial flow of blood. Slight bleeding can last up to 2 to 3 days.
- Don’t take the denture out the first day. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water before going to bed (1 tsp. salt per 1 cup warm water).
- Starting the following day, carefully remove the denture twice a day and clean with a toothbrush and low abrasive toothpaste or denture cleaner. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use an ice compress on affected side for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off over the first 36 hours.
- Limit your diet to soft, healthful foods and plenty of fluids for the first week.
- Sleep with the denture in your mouth for one week unless otherwise instructed. Then you should take the denture out when sleeping in order to relax the gum tissues.
- You may experience sore spots caused by the denture being too long or from uneven pressure being applied to the healing gum tissues. We will adjust the denture as these problems occur.
- Due to the gum shrinkage that occurs within the first 6 months, you may go through periods of a loose fitting denture. A temporary liner can be inserted as needed. Denture adhesives can also be used during this period.
- Following the gum shrinkage period, approximately 6 months, a more permanent reline will be placed in the denture.
- Starting the following day, carefully remove the denture twice a day and clean with a toothbrush and low abrasive toothpaste or denture cleaner. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Contemporary Dental in Bellaire, TX, today at 713-668-9119. We proudly welcome patients who live in Bellaire, Houston, West University/Southside Place, Southwest Houston, the Galleria area, and all surrounding communities.