Care of Immediate Dentures
An immediate denture is a denture created to be inserted on the same day/appointment the tooth/ teeth are removed. The denture is fitted straight away which allows the patient to avoid a time period without teeth. Once the denture is completed the tooth/teeth will be extracted and the immediate denture will be put in straight away.
These instructions are to help guide you to obtain comfort and efficiency from your new immediate denture.
Related Reading –
Care of Full Dentures
Insertion and Removal
Do not remove your denture until the dentist does it the next day. It is extremely important to keep your denture in place overnight as the tissues are likely to swell and if you remove your denture too early it will not be possible to put your denture back in place and it may cause your gum tissues to heal in a non ideal position.
If your denture becomes loose, put it back in place straight away. At your review appointment your dentist will show you how to insert and remove your new dentures. Make sure you can do this properly before leaving the surgery. At home, using a mirror can help to guide you with inserting and removing your new dentures. Your dentures will only fit in one way. Never use force.
Function
Once the tooth/teeth are extracted the immediate denture will be put in straight away. When a tooth/teeth are extracted your gums will heal and shrink as the bone in that area does not need to support your tooth/teeth anymore. Most of these changes will occur during the first three months after the extraction process and due to these changes your denture may become loose and not fit as well as it should. If this happens a denture reline will be necessary. This is quite normal.
Using a denture adhesive can be a great aide in the process of waiting for a denture reline. This may give you added confidence to make sure your denture stays in place. The denture adhesive is applied to the fitting (inside) surface of the denture. It is then placed in the mouth and with the presence of water from your saliva, the material swells and creates a grip between your denture and your gums. It improves the retention and stability of wearing your denture.
Your mouth will need time to adapt to your new dentures even if you have worn dentures before. They may feel different and uncomfortable in the beginning, but just like a new pair of shoes they need time to “wear themselves in”. Your speech may be altered in the beginning but it will return to normal once you are used to wearing the new dentures. Certain words may initially be more difficult to pronounce than others, such as words starting with “s” “f” and “c”.
Eating may initially be difficult as well. Start with eating soft foods (eg. steamed vegetables), taking small bites and chewing slowly. Try to bite with your own teeth if any remain rather than the artificial teeth on your denture. Chew on both sides of the mouth and bite at the corners rather than on the front teeth. This will balance the denture while eating and means your denture is less likely to move around.
Pain
Take the advised pain relief as required as you will most likely be sore. If you are experiencing severe pain please call to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Soreness is expected with any new denture as there may be areas that are rubbing or pinching and especially with an immediate denture where teeth have been removed. If you are experiencing pain under your denture it may need to be adjusted at your next review appointment. If you do not have a review appointment contact your dentist.
Important Information
- Take care not to bite or burn your lips, cheek or tongue whilst you’re are still numb.
- Do not have anything too hot. Hot foods and drink will cause the area to bleed and it may also be painful as it can burn the healing area.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after an extraction. This can stop the area from healing properly which may cause the area to get infected.
- If you continue to bleed in the early stages after the extraction, bite firmly on a handkerchief or gauze for 30 minutes to help stop the bleeding whilst keeping the denture in place. If bleeding persist call your dentist or doctor.
- Do not remove your denture until the review appointment. It is extremely important to keep your denture in place overnight as the area is likely to swell and if you remove your denture too early it will not be possible to put your denture back in place and it may cause your gum tissues to heal in a non ideal position. If your denture becomes loose, put it back in place straight away.
- Stick with eating soft foods only until your dentists advises you otherwise.
- Four hours after having a tooth extraction you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water, and if necessary brush and floss your remaining teeth.
- Take the advised pain relief as required as you will most likely be sore. If you are experiencing severe pain please call to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
- Make sure you attend your review appointments. It is certain an adjustment will be required to make your dentures more comfortable. This is an excellent time for your dentist to check the healing socket areas.
Advantages/Disadvantages of Immediate Dentures
Advantages:
- You will not have to walk around without teeth or with a gap in your smile.
- You will have better healing as the denture stabilises the blood clots underneath.
- The denture will trick your brain into thinking it still needs bone to support your teeth, resulting in less shrinkage in that area.
- Your denture will enable you to continue to chew and function as normal.
- An immediate denture is easily adjusted.
- Allows the dentist to copy the alignment, colour and height of your existing teeth to make the denture as natural looking as possible.
Disadvantages:
- You do not have the luxury of a try-in stage.
- An immediate denture usually will need one or more relines.
- There is quite a lot of guesswork involved especially with a full denture.
- You may need multiple adjustments.
- You may need to use a denture adhesive to help the denture stay in place before a reline can be done.
Maintenance
Your dentures should be cleaned after every meal to ensure they are free from bacteria and plaque. When cleaning your denture use a soft brush or toothbrusg and hold it over a towel or basin of water to cushion the fall in case you drop it. Brush both the inside and outside surfaces of your denture with either a toothpaste or warm soapy water. If tarter build up is noticed and is not being successfully removed, make an appointment with your dentist to have your dentures professionally cleaned.
Do not use hot water, kitchen detergents, abrasives, laundry bleaches, methylated spirits or antiseptics. Even after wearing your dentures for months or years they may need to be adjusted, clasps/clips may need tightening and dentures may need relining (new fitting surface) as your mouth continues to change.
If you damage or break your denture, stop wearing it immediately and schedule an appointment in with your dentist. Do not tamper with your dentures, glue pieces back together or modify the clasps in any way as it may result in permanent damage to your denture.
For more queries on your dentures or on general oral care, call us on 03 9551 4599
Related Reading –
Care of Full Dentures