Today you had your teeth removed and an immediate denture placed. Here are some guidelines about wearing your immediate denture:
1. Do not remove the denture for 24 hours. I will remove it at the first post-insertion appointment.
2. You will experience some bleeding. The new denture will help apply pressure to stop the bleeding. However, slight bleeding may continue for 2-3 days.
3. Swelling and skin bruising may be reduced by applying ice packs on your face where the teeth were removed. Apply 15-20 minutes on one side then switch to the other side for 15-20 minutes. Switch from side to side for the first 24 to 36 hours after your appointment.
4. If prescribed, take your pain medication and/or antibiotics as directed.
5. After receiving your denture, limit your diet to soft foods and plenty of fluids for the first 5 to 7 days.
6. After 24 hours, you may rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) after each meal and at bedtime for the next 3 to 4 days or until the gums are not sore.
7. Your upper lip will appear fuller than normal due to the swelling from the surgery.
8. Your denture should be worn day and night for one week and then removed eight hours each day (or night). Remove your denture to rest your mouth just like you remove your shoes to rest your feet.
9. You may experience sore spots from time to time. I will adjust these as they occur.
10. The main advantage of an immediate denture over a regular denture is you are never without teeth. The main disadvantage is that your gums will shrink as you will go through periods where the denture is loose. A temporary liner will be inserted as needed.
11. Following the gum shrinkage period (approximately 6 months) a permanent liner will be placed. You will be without your teeth for one to two days while the dentures are at the laboratory.
12. If any unusual symptoms arise or if you have any questions, please feel free to call Dr. Andow anytime at 303.799.1525 (office) or 720.482.9530 (home).