Your First 30 Days Wearing Dentures
Feeling self-conscious about missing teeth? Our dentists in Plymouth, MI, may recommend dentures or other tooth replacement options to restore your smile. We offer quality dentures because we understand how much you depend on your teeth for smiling, talking, and eating.
Follow our expert tips to set yourself up for success and as soon as possible.
First 24 Hours
If you require emergency tooth extraction, our dentists may prescribe you pain relievers and antibiotics to take as directed while the site heals. It’s important that you don’t remove your dentures during the first 24 hours so the gums have a chance to heal.
Your full or partial dentures act much like a bandaid during your first day, which is why you’ll even need to wear your dentures to bed.
After the first 24 hours, we highly recommend removing your dentures before going to sleep. That way, your gums have a chance to rest and stay healthy. Your gums were never designed to be covered by dentures 24/7, which is why you need to give them breaks.
Since the extraction sites will be sore, we recommend eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese until they heal.
First 2 Weeks
Once 24 hours have passed since tooth extraction, you’ll need to return to our office so one of our dentists can remove your dentures. It’s normal to develop sore spots during the first few days of . You may also have more saliva.
Gum tissue contracts as it heals. For this reason, you may need to visit our office several times so your dentures fit comfortably. If you experience dental discomfort or pain while eating, we recommend supplementing meals with Ensure or another protein-rich drink.
After 2 Weeks
It takes time for your gums, cheeks, and tongue to adjust to wearing an oral appliance. However, after a couple of weeks have passed, you’ll notice fewer sore spots in your mouth and less saliva. Don’t hesitate to call our office if you need your dentures adjusted. We’d be more than happy to set up a time for you.
It’ll take some time for you to get used to eating and talking with dentures. If you lisp while you talk, we recommend reading aloud from your favorite book and keeping a running list of words that give you difficulty. The more you speak with your dentures, the easier it’ll become over time.
After 30 Days
You should be used to your dentures after the first month. As time goes on, the fit of your dentures may change, whether due to the gum tissue in your mouth changing or due to the dentures themselves developing some wear and tear.
If at any point your full or partial dentures no longer fit comfortably in your mouth, don’t hesitate to call our office. Our dentists can help adjust the fit of your dentures so they stay in your mouth when you talk and chew.
Related: Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures? →
Denture Care
Take care of your denture teeth like you would natural teeth. For example, you’ll need to brush your dentures twice a day to remove plaque and prevent bad odor. Submerge your full or partial dentures in water or denture cleanser when you’re not wearing them so they don’t dry out.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of Americans age 30 and older have periodontal disease. Don’t be one of them. If you’re wearing full dentures, you won’t have any natural teeth left. However, it’s still important to keep your gums healthy by brushing them twice a day.
Dentures can trap bacteria close to your gums if you don’t clean them properly. Be sure to stay vigilant about your oral hygiene, even when your natural teeth are gone.
Book a Consultation for Dentures
Are you ready to take the next step? Our dentists in Plymouth, MI, are accepting new patients and would be more than happy to help you explore your tooth replacement options. To schedule an appointment, please call Plymouth Dentistry at (734) 459-7110. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
This blog post has been updated.