Patient Instructions For  Immediate Dental Dentures

The first 24 hours

1.       Do not take your immediate denture out during the first 24 hours after placement.  If you do, your gums are likely to swell, and you will have a hard time refitting your denture. 

2.       Take any pain medication you have been prescribed as directed.

3.       Do not take other medications or herbal supplements unless told to do so by your dentist or physician.

4.       It helps for you to apply an ice pack over the area during the first few hours.  Apply it for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.

5.       If you follow these directions, normally, after the first 36 hours, all that you are going to need is mild pain medication.

6.       It is normal for some bleeding to occur during the first 2-3 days.

7.       If you notice any bleeding, close your teeth together tightly for 10 minutes, and the pressure from the immediate denture should slow down the bleeding.

8.       Avoid rapidly clenching and releasing your teeth.  This only works agitates the area, and it can cause more bleeding to occur.

9.       Contact your dentist immediately if you start bleeding excessively.

10.   Do not forcefully spit during this time.  Doing so could cause the immediate denture to become dislodged.

11.   If it is necessary to remove liquid from your mouth, let it drool out gently over a sink.

12.   Avoid the use of any kind of mouthwash for the first 24 hours unless directed to do so by your dentist.

At the end of 24 hours, it is ok to remove the immediate denture.

1.       Take teaspoon of salt and mix it with a cup of warm water.  Then, place some in your mouth.

2.       With your lips closed tight, force the water under the denture and loosen it.

3.       The lower denture is always easier to remove.  It lifts straight up.

4.       The upper may be more difficult to remove, especially the first time. It comes out best when worked in a downward and forward direction.

5.       If you continue to have difficulty, use your index finger and place it between your denture and cheek when moving up and back until you feel the back upper corner of the denture.

6.       Move your finger onto the top of the denture border in this area and pull down gently.  This will increase the force until the denture dislodges.

7.       The way your immediate denture comes out most easily depends on your mouths unique shape.

8.       After a few of times, you will know just how to work it out. There may be very dark blood inside your immediate denture. Do not be alarmed, this is normal.

9.       You may also develop or dark spots, or ecchymosis, either in your mouth or on your face over the area of the surgery. This will go away in a couple of days.  Brush your denture inside and out with dishwashing liquid and rinse it well with warm water.

10.   Do not spit; let the salt-water drool out of your mouth into the sink.

11.   Place your immediate denture back in your and press it on to your gums for 10 seconds.

12.   Close together, swallow, and hold your mouth together an additional 10 seconds to correctly seat the denture.

Houston Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services that includes: