What to Expect
Getting new dentures is a significant step toward restoring your smile and eating ability. It's completely normal to feel excited about your new teeth while also feeling a bit anxious about the adjustment period ahead. Dr. Olaes wants you to know that with her 25+ years of experience, she has helped countless patients successfully adapt to their new dentures.
During the first few weeks, you may experience some discomfort, increased saliva production, and difficulty speaking or eating certain foods. These are all normal parts of the adjustment process. Your mouth needs time to adapt to the new dentures, and your facial muscles need to learn how to work with them. Most patients find that these initial challenges improve significantly within 2-4 weeks as they become more comfortable with their new smile.
Remember that every patient's experience is unique, and the adjustment period can vary from person to person. Some patients adapt quickly within a few days, while others may need several weeks to feel completely comfortable. Be patient with yourself during this process – you're learning to use an entirely new set of teeth!
Immediately After Your Procedure
For the first 24 hours after receiving your new dentures, it's crucial to follow these important guidelines. Keep your dentures in your mouth during this initial period, even while sleeping, unless specifically instructed otherwise by Dr. Olaes. This helps control swelling and allows your gums to adapt to the new appliance.
Avoid removing your dentures during the first 24 hours, as your gums may swell, making it difficult to reinsert them. If you experience significant discomfort that makes wearing them unbearable, contact our office immediately at (858) 487-4683 rather than removing them yourself.
Expect some increased saliva production during the first day – this is your mouth's natural response to the new appliance. Swallow frequently and try to resist the urge to spit excessively, as this can interfere with the dentures' stability. Speaking may feel different initially, so practice speaking slowly and clearly. Reading aloud can help you adjust more quickly to speaking with your new dentures.
Pain Management
Some discomfort and soreness are completely normal after getting new dentures. Your gums and supporting tissues need time to adjust to the new appliance, and you may experience some pressure points or sore spots during the first few days.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Take these medications as directed on the package or as prescribed by Dr. Olaes. Ibuprofen is particularly helpful as it also reduces inflammation in your gums and supporting tissues.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and numb discomfort during the first 24-48 hours. Use a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent irritation. If Dr. Olaes prescribed any pain medications, take them exactly as directed and don't exceed the recommended dosage.
Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding and interfere with healing. If pain persists beyond the first few days or becomes increasingly severe, contact our office as your dentures may need adjustment.
Eating and Drinking
Your eating habits will need to change temporarily while you adjust to your new dentures. For the first 24-48 hours, stick to a liquid or very soft food diet. Good options include smoothies, yogurt, pudding, soup (not too hot), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta.
Avoid hot foods and beverages for the first day, as your mouth may have reduced sensation and you could accidentally burn yourself. Similarly, avoid very cold foods that might cause discomfort to sensitive tissues. Cut all foods into small, bite-sized pieces and chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth.
During the first week, gradually introduce slightly firmer foods like soft fish, tender vegetables, and soft fruits. Avoid sticky foods (caramel, chewing gum), hard foods (nuts, raw carrots, hard candies), and foods with small seeds that could get trapped under your dentures.
Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid using straws initially, as the suction can disturb the fit of your dentures. Most patients can return to eating most of their favorite foods within 4-6 weeks, though very hard or extremely sticky foods may always require caution.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential for your comfort and the longevity of your dentures. Even though you now have artificial teeth, proper cleaning prevents bad breath, gum irritation, and other oral health issues.
After the first 24 hours, you should remove your dentures for cleaning. Clean them at least twice daily – morning and evening – using a soft-bristled denture brush or regular toothbrush with mild soap or denture cleanser. Avoid regular toothpaste, which can be too abrasive and damage the denture material.
When cleaning your dentures, hold them over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent damage if you accidentally drop them. Clean all surfaces thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas that contact your gums. Rinse your dentures well after cleaning to remove any cleaning product residue.
Clean your mouth twice daily as well. If you have remaining natural teeth, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush. For areas where teeth were removed, gently brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush or clean washcloth. You may also rinse with a warm salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to promote healing.
Activity Restrictions
For the first 24-48 hours after receiving your dentures, limit physical activities to light, non-strenuous tasks. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or activities that might cause you to clench your jaw or put pressure on your new dentures.
You can gradually return to your normal activities as you feel comfortable, usually within 2-3 days. However, if you participate in contact sports or activities where your mouth might be injured, discuss protective options with Dr. Olaes.
During the first week, be extra careful when yawning, sneezing, or coughing, as these actions might dislodge your dentures until you're fully adjusted to them. If you feel a sneeze coming, try to open your mouth slightly and support your dentures gently with your tongue.
Plan to take some time off from work or social activities if your job requires extensive speaking, as you may need a few days to adjust to speaking clearly with your new dentures. Most patients feel confident returning to normal social activities within a week.
Warning Signs - When to Call Us
Contact Carmel Mountain Dentist immediately at (858) 487-4683 if you experience any of these symptoms:
• Severe, worsening pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter pain medication • Excessive bleeding from your gums that doesn't stop within a few hours • Signs of infection such as fever, increased swelling, or pus • Persistent nausea or vomiting • Allergic reactions such as rash, difficulty breathing, or unusual swelling • Dentures that become extremely loose or won't stay in place • Sharp edges or areas causing cuts in your mouth • Severe sore spots that don't improve after 48 hours • Inability to eat or drink due to pain or fit issues • Any concerns about how your dentures fit or function
Remember, it's always better to call with questions or concerns rather than wait and potentially develop more serious problems.
Recovery Timeline
First 24 Hours: Keep dentures in, expect increased saliva, some discomfort is normal. Stick to liquid/very soft foods.
Days 2-3: You may remove dentures for cleaning. Begin practicing speaking and chewing. Slight soreness continues to be normal.
Days 4-7: Discomfort should be decreasing. You can start introducing slightly firmer foods. Practice speaking more extensively.
Weeks 2-4: Most initial discomfort should resolve. You can eat a wider variety of foods. Speech should be improving significantly.
1-2 Months: You should feel much more comfortable and confident with your dentures. Most foods can be enjoyed, though you may need to cut them smaller than before.
3+ Months: Your dentures should feel like a natural part of your mouth. You may need periodic adjustments as your gums continue to heal and remodel.
Keep in mind that complete adaptation can take 6-8 weeks, and some patients need longer. Don't be discouraged if your progress seems slower than expected – everyone heals at their own pace.
Tips for Faster Healing
• Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and promote healing • Follow all instructions carefully – even if they seem inconvenient, they're designed for your success • Practice speaking daily – read aloud, practice common phrases, or talk to family members • Start with easier foods and progress gradually – don't rush back to difficult foods too quickly • Keep your dentures and mouth extremely clean – good hygiene prevents complications • Attend all follow-up appointments – Dr. Olaes needs to monitor your healing and make adjustments • Be patient with yourself – adjustment takes time, and temporary frustration is normal • Use denture adhesive if recommended – but only as directed by Dr. Olaes • Don't try to adjust dentures yourself – home modifications can cause damage • Maintain a positive attitude – most patients are thrilled with their results once fully adjusted
Questions?
If you have any concerns during your recovery, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call Carmel Mountain Dentist at (858) 487-4683. We're here to help ensure your recovery goes smoothly.