Congratulations – you’ve just received your brand-new dentures and restored the appearance and functionality of your teeth! Although there is much to celebrate, it’s important to recognize that the first 30 days after getting dentures can be difficult. Your gums need to get accustomed to your new dental hardware. To ease the transition and let you know what to expect, here is a breakdown of your first month with new dentures.
The First 24 Hours
If you’ve just gotten an emergency tooth extraction, take the pain relievers and antibiotics you’ve been prescribed as directed. Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes until your extraction site heals.
Your dentures are a sort of bandage in the first day of having them, so it’s important you don’t take them off during in that time so your gums have a chance to heal. While in the future you should not wear your dentures to bed, you need to wear them to bed in the first 24 hours.
The First 2 Weeks
After the first 24 hours, begin removing your dentures before going to sleep to give your gums a chance to rest.
If you’re experiencing some soreness or an increase in saliva production within the first few days of wearing dentures, that is normal and will pass over time. Should you continue to experience discomfort, or if it worsens, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
You may need to see your dentist several times for adjustments within the first 2 weeks of wearing dentures so they fit comfortably. This is because as it heals, your gum tissue will contract.
If eating is uncomfortable, supplement your meals with protein-rich drinks until the discomfort subsides.
After the First 2 Weeks
After a few weeks, your gums, cheeks, and tongue should adjust to wearing dentures and you should notice fewer sore spots and less saliva.
If you’re still feeling uncomfortable, call your dentist to adjust your dentures. Your oral health and comfort are of the utmost importance to your dentist, so don’t grin and bear it!
Talking and eating take some time to get used to when you are wearing dentures. You might have a lisp, or maybe you’re not used to having excess saliva while speaking.
Practice speaking so your mouth can ease into the transition. Reading a book aloud or swallowing before you speak can help tremendously. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
After the First Month
By the time your first month flies by, you should be mostly if not completely adjusted to your dentures. That being said, you may still need to adjust the fit. This could be because your dentures are experiencing some wear and tear or the gum tissue in your mouth is changing.
Eat softer foods and chew evenly around your whole mouth. Practicing good oral hygiene and regularly cleaning and soaking your prosthetics will keep your dentures bacteria-free. While these tips are good for the adjustment period of your new prosthetics, continuing them beyond the first month can help preserve the condition of your dentures.
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani provides beautiful smile transformations ranging from implants to dentures. If you’re missing teeth, Dr. Soltani is eager to rebuild your smile with custom-fit dentures that can easily blend into your natural teeth. If you’re interested in getting dentures, contact Dr. Soltani at her website or by phone at (720) 608-7770.
