Post Immediate Denture Instructions

• It is advised that you leave your dentures in for 48 hours after surgery, unless you have a follow-up appointment with your dentist within that time. If you do remove your denture yourself within 48 hours after surgery your gingiva may start to swell and it may be difficult to get your dentures back in. If this occurs you may need to wait until the swelling subsides before you can re-insert your dentures.
• Bleeding was slowed significantly prior to the insertion of your denture. If there is a small amount of bleeding around your denture you may place gauze between your dentures and apply firm biting pressure for 30 minute intervals. If there is significant bleeding around your dentures you may need to remove them. In this event place moistened gauze between your jaws to apply firm biting pressure directly to the surgical sites. In this latter event you may have to leave the dentures out for 24-48 hours until swelling subsides.
• Swelling and discomfort is to be expected. Swelling may be reduced by placing ice packs against the face near the area of extractions for 20 minute intervals.
• NSAID pain medication (ibuprofen/motrin/advil/aleve) is a mainstay of pain control after surgery. You can take 600 mg of ibuprofen/motrin every 6 hours. For additionally pain control, or if you cannot take NSAID pain medication, you can take 1,000 mg of Acetaminophen/Tylenol every 8 hours. Opiate narcotics are also occasionally prescribed for pain control, these can be used in addition to NSAIDs and Tylenol, however be cognizant of the prescribed narcotic as it may contain Tylenol in it. You should not exceed more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol in 24 hours.
  • If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 to 3 days, please call our office.
  • If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your antibiotic prescription. If you are having trouble taking the antibiotics, please call the office for instructions.
• Your diet for the first 48 hours should be restricted to soft foods (scrambled egg/pasta consistency or softer). Gradually increase the substance of your diet as tolerated.
• Your bite may be imperfect when you first get your dentures. Adjustments can be made by your dentist as needed.
• If adhesive was used to initially place your dentures after surgery you can use adhesive in the same areas as needed unless otherwise directed by your dentist/denturist.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at Waterville office of Mid-Maine Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 207-873-0117. After hours you will reach our answering service and they will page the surgeon and have him call you back.

Questions About Your Pre or Post Surgery Instructions?