Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Immediate Dentures
By Eric Tobler
What is an immediate denture: An immediate denture is recommended when it has become necessary to remove your remaining teeth but you would like to avoid the embarrassment of going without teeth as your jaw is healing. At an initial appointment impressions will be taken of your teeth and gums. From this impression models are made. Your new dentures are then constructed using the models as well as other dental information that has been recorded. The dentures can either be made to match your existing teeth or we can improve the look of your smile. Once the denture is complete you will come into the dental office to have your remaining teeth removed and have the dentures placed.
Pain and Swelling: It is best to leave the immediate denture(s) in place for 48 hours after your teeth have been removed. The dentures will act as a bandage to protect the extraction sites as well as help to limit the bleeding and swelling. Ice packs placed on the face in the extraction areas for 10-20 minute intervals will help minimize the pain.
Dry Sockets: We recommend that you avoid rinsing, smoking and sucking through a straw for 48 hours to help avoid dry socket-a condition that can be very painful. It is recommended that you place a towel over your pillow because it is normal to have some oozing of blood.
Diet: Stick to a soft diet. It will be some time before you are able to go back to chewing foods normally. As the healing process progresses you will gradually be able to eat a greater variety of foods.
Sore Spots and Your Bite: For the first little while your bite may not feel right. You may also experience salivation and gagging for the first few days. These conditions should improve as you heal and adjust to the denture(s). You may develop sore spots along the edges of the dentures that may need adjusting. Be patient as you heal and we will make any adjustments as needed to help you adjust to your new prosthesis.
Denture and Mouth Care (After Initial 48 Hours): Brush both sides of your denture and soak them in an ADA approved denture cleaning solution at least once a day. Rinse your mouth with chlorohexidine twice a day. Your gums will heal quicker if you remove your dentures at night. When the denture is out of your mouth, keep it in water to keep it from drying out.
Sutures: We recommend removing your sutures in 10-14 days. You may want to combine this visit with any needed adjustment(s).
Loose Fitting Dentures: Over the next 3-4 months you will have many changes in your mouth. Your gums and underlying bone will change shape and the denture(s) may feel loose. At the drug store, you can purchase denture adhesive, (any kind will work), which will help hold the denture in place while you heal. If needed, a soft reline material can help during this transitional period. Your denture will need to be permanently relined in 4 months.
Speech: You may notice a lisp or slurring of your speech in the first days of wearing your denture(s). This is normal and will disappear as you adjust to your denture.
Esthetics: For many people, a denture is replacing stained or diseased teeth. The denture will not only help you feel healthier but will help you look better. For before and after pictures of denture patients please visit http://myutahdentist.com/implants.html
Upper vs. Lower Dentures: The lower denture is help in place by your tongue and cheeks. Some patients can master this technique quickly and for others it takes some time. You will never have complete seating of the lower denture because there is no possibility of “suction” like that obtained in the upper denture. The upper denture also had the advantage of contacting your entire palate in addition to the bony ridge. For some patients, a small amount of adhesive will always be necessary. Should you so desire,dental implants can help remedy this problem. For more information on dental implants you can visit http://myutahdentist.com/implants.html
Pain Medications: Every patient’s tolerance to pain differs. Ibuprofen and Extra Strength Tylenol, used in combination, are as effective as most narcotic pain relievers without the undesirable side effects. If a narcotic pain reliever was prescribed, take it only as directed.
Medications: Take only when checked
_____ Penicillin-Take 1 every 6 hours until gone
_____ Ibuprofen-Take 1 600 mg. tab (dispensed from our office) or 3 200 mg. tabs every 4 hours
_____ Extra Strength Tylenol-Take 2 tabs every 4 hours
_____ Lortab-Take 1 tab every 4-6 hours for pain only
_____ Other medications-_____________________________________________
When taking Ibuprofen and Tylenol in combination, we recommend overlapping when you take them so that you are taking one or the other every 2 hours. This works better than taking both medications at once and then waiting 4 hours to repeat the dosage.
If you have any further questions about Immediate Dentures please feel free to contact me personally.
Bret A. Tobler D.M.D., Eric A. Tobler D.M.D. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Tobler |
