For the Immediate Denture Patient
Wearing a denture may be a new experience for you. The following information will be of value:
1. BLEEDING - The surgery required for the placement of immediate dentures consist of tooth removal
followed by an alveoplasty (the trimming and smoothing of the bony ridges in order to properly fit the new
denture) and suturing of the wounds. A certain amount of bleeding following this procedure is normal, but
usually the oozing stops within 48 hours.
2. DIET - You will find the chewing of foods difficult for awhile. Your diet should consist of soft easily
digestible foods, such as custards, mashed vegetables, eggs, etc., until you are able to master more
chewable type foods. You may supplement your diet with Nutrament, Sustagen or Metrecal, which are
available at the drug store. Drink plenty of fluids for a few days.
3. PAIN - A certain amount of pain may follow placement of immediate dentures. Take Advil, 3 pills ( 600 mg
works very well) but if more severe pain occurs, use the prescription that may have been given to you, as
directed.
4. SWELLING - Swelling and discoloration may occur about the cheeks and lips. To keep this at a minimum,
use an ice pack 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off over the operated area the rest of today and all day
tomorrow. You probably won’t need ice after that.
5. MOUTH ODOR - You will develop a mouth odor (bad breath). This is a temporary condition brought by the
wearing of immediate dentures over fresh wounds. It is temporary and will leave when you are cleaning your
dentures daily. You may use any mouthwash to sweeten your breath. There may also be a coating on your
tongue, which you can brush away with your toothbrush. This will disappear when you resume your normal
diet.
6. FOREIGN OBJECT IN YOUR MOUTH - Your new dentures may feel strange to you. Try to be as "natural"
with them as possible. As you become accustomed to them, this odd feeling will leave.
7. GAGGING SENSATION - You may have a gagging sensation due to a new substance on your palate. Be
sure to seat your dentures firmly. They will fit better and fell better in place, and the gagging will disappear.
8. REMOVAL OF DENTURES - Leave your dentures in place for 24 hours. Dentures SHOULD NOT be removed until so instructed buy your dentist.
9. SUTURES - You may have sutures holding the tissues in place under the denture. These will be removed
at your post-operative appointment.
10. SORE SPOTS - Sore spots may develop under your dentures. You should contact your dentist, who will
relieve these areas.
11. After the first week, you should routinely leave the dentures out at night and place them in a jar or cup filled with water and placed on the floor. This is in case the jar gets knocked off the table causing the denture to break.
12. Should problems develop, or if you have any questions, please call our office, 650-948-6505
