Immediate Dentures Post-Operative Care

Congratulations on taking an important step toward restoring your smile! Dr. Olaes and our team at Carmel Mountain Dentist are here to support you through your recovery process.

What to Expect

Getting immediate dentures means you won't have to go without teeth while your gums heal, but the adjustment period requires patience and careful attention to our instructions. Your new dentures were placed immediately after tooth extractions, so your gums are healing while adapting to your new teeth at the same time.

It's completely normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding during the first few days. Your mouth will feel different, and speaking and eating will require practice. The healing process typically takes 6-8 weeks, during which your gums will change shape as they heal. This means your dentures may feel loose as time goes on - this is expected and will be addressed with adjustments and relines.

Remember that Dr. Olaes has over 25 years of experience helping patients successfully adapt to their new dentures. While the first few weeks require extra care, most patients adjust well and are thrilled with their restored ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Immediately After Your Procedure

For the first 24 hours:

• Keep your dentures in place - Do not remove them for the first 24 hours unless instructed otherwise. They act as a bandage over the extraction sites and help control bleeding.
• Bite down gently on gauze pads if provided, changing them as they become soaked with blood. Apply gentle, steady pressure.
• Keep your head elevated when lying down - use extra pillows to reduce swelling and bleeding.
• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
• Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw - these actions can dislodge blood clots and cause complications.
• Avoid hot liquids and foods - stick to cool or room temperature items only.

Pain Management

Some discomfort is normal and expected after your procedure. Here's how to manage it effectively:

Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes on, then 15-20 minutes off during the first 24-48 hours. This helps reduce swelling and numb pain.

Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: You may take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the package for mild to moderate discomfort. Ibuprofen is particularly effective for reducing inflammation.

Prescription Medications: If Dr. Olaes prescribed pain medication, take it exactly as directed. Don't wait until pain becomes severe - it's easier to stay ahead of discomfort.

Additional Comfort Measures: Warm salt water rinses (after the first 24 hours) can provide soothing relief. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.

Eating and Drinking

Your eating habits will need to change temporarily to protect your healing gums and help you adjust to your new dentures.

First 24-48 Hours:

• Stick to cool or room temperature liquids like water, milk, or smooth broths
• Try soft foods like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, or smoothies
• Avoid anything hot, spicy, acidic, or crunchy

First Week:

• Gradually introduce soft foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, and well-cooked vegetables
• Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly and evenly on both sides
• Avoid tough meats, raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sticky foods

Weeks 2-8:

• Slowly reintroduce more solid foods as comfort allows
• Practice chewing with your new dentures - it takes time to learn the proper technique
• Continue avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods until your mouth has fully healed

Important: Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your recovery.

Oral Hygiene

Proper oral care is crucial for healing and preventing infection.

First 24 Hours:

• Do not brush your teeth or dentures
• Do not rinse your mouth
• Let saliva flow naturally and swallow gently

After 24 Hours:

• Begin gentle salt water rinses (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) 3-4 times daily
• You may carefully remove your dentures to clean them with cool water and a soft brush
• Gently brush any remaining natural teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush

Ongoing Care:

• Clean your dentures daily outside of your mouth with denture cleaner or mild dish soap
• Brush your gums, tongue, and any remaining teeth gently with a soft toothbrush
• Rinse with salt water or an alcohol-free mouthwash as recommended

Activity Restrictions

Taking it easy during the first few days promotes better healing and reduces complications.

First 48 Hours:

• Avoid strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or bending over
• Get plenty of rest with your head elevated
• No smoking or tobacco use (this significantly impairs healing)

First Week:

• Gradually return to light activities as tolerated
• Continue avoiding heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, or activities that might jar your mouth
• Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition

After One Week:

• You may gradually resume normal activities as comfort allows
• Listen to your body - if an activity causes pain or bleeding, stop and rest

Warning Signs - When to Call Us

Contact Carmel Mountain Dentist at (858) 487-4683 immediately if you experience:

• Severe, increasing pain that doesn't respond to prescribed or over-the-counter medication • Excessive bleeding that doesn't slow down after applying pressure for 30 minutes • Signs of infection such as fever over 101°F, persistent bad taste, or foul odor • Severe swelling that worsens after the third day or interferes with swallowing • Allergic reaction including rash, difficulty breathing, or severe nausea • Persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents you from taking fluids or medications • Dentures that become extremely painful or impossible to wear • Numbness that persists beyond what Dr. Olaes discussed with you

Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3: Peak discomfort and swelling. Focus on rest, ice, and following all post-op instructions carefully.

Days 4-7: Swelling begins to subside. You may start feeling more comfortable and can introduce slightly more solid foods.

Weeks 2-4: Significant improvement in comfort. Your gums continue healing and reshaping. You may notice your dentures feeling looser.

Weeks 4-6: Most acute healing is complete. Dr. Olaes may make initial adjustments to your dentures during follow-up visits.

Weeks 6-8: Healing nears completion. Final adjustments and potential relines may be needed as your gums reach their new shape.

3-6 Months: Your mouth has adapted to your new dentures. You should be eating most foods comfortably and speaking clearly.

Tips for Faster Healing

Following these best practices will help ensure the smoothest possible recovery:

• Follow all instructions carefully - even small deviations can cause complications • Attend all follow-up appointments - Dr. Olaes needs to monitor your healing and make necessary adjustments • Stay hydrated - drink plenty of water to support your body's healing process • Get adequate rest - your body heals best when you're well-rested • Maintain good nutrition - focus on protein-rich foods to support tissue repair • Practice good oral hygiene - clean your dentures and mouth as instructed • Be patient with yourself - adjusting to dentures takes time, and everyone's timeline is different • Avoid tobacco and alcohol - these substances significantly impair healing • Manage stress - high stress levels can slow healing, so practice relaxation techniques if needed • Communicate with our team - don't hesitate to call with questions or concerns

Questions?

Remember, your comfort and successful recovery are our top priorities. Dr. Olaes and our experienced team are here to support you every step of the way. Every patient heals differently, so don't worry if your experience doesn't match exactly what friends or family members have told you about their denture experience.

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.