After Immediate Denture

SURGICAL SITE CARE:

The best treatment for postoperative bleeding is constant, firm pressure.  The denture will be placed immediately post surgery and should act as a pressure bandage (gauze will be placed between the dentures to absorb any seeping).  If the fit of the denture is not desirable then gauze will be placed directly between the tissues and any opposing teeth.   After one hour  the gauze may be removed. Slight bleeding is normal.  Pink tinged saliva can persist for 24-48 hours.  If excessive bleeding continues after initial gauze is removed place new gauze or a moist green or black tea bag and bite firmly for an additional two hours.  Do not change the gauze frequently as it can dislodge the clot and make you bleed more.  If you continue to bleed after four hours, bite on a moist green or black tea bag and please call Dr. Kim.

Do not spit, drink with a straw, smoke, drink alcohol or exercise for one week since this promotes bleeding and can lengthen your recovery time.

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction and will continue to increase for three days post surgery.  During this time your denture should remain in your mouth even while sleeping unless otherwise instructed by your general dentist/denturist.  Applying an ice pack (30 minutes on, 30 minutes off) on the outside of your face over the surgical area and keeping your head elevated while sleeping for the first three days helps limit swelling, bleeding and discomfort.  The ice pack should ONLY be used for the first 24 hours after surgery.  After 24 hours, apply warm, moist heat using the provided hot/cold pack heated in the microwave for ten seconds and wrapped in a moist washcloth, as needed, and continue to sleep with your head elevated until swelling resolves.

Start with a soft diet the first day.  Cold, soft foods such as ice cream, pudding, jello or yogurt may be the most soothing and helpful.  Advance your diet as tolerated. Rest is recommended the first day.

DISCOMFORT:

Some discomfort is normal after oral surgery.  It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking pain medications as prescribed.  Dentures have a longer adjustment period and it can be difficult learning how to speak and chew with the dental appliance in place.  Over the next six months the bone supporting the denture will change through a process called remodeling.  The bone will eventually remodel to the shape of the denture.  It may be necessary to see your general dentist/denturist for several adjustments to the denture during this time.  Occasionally during the process of remodeling a small splinter of bone may rise to the surface of the gum tissue.  These bone splinters can be encouraged to fall out by using a soft bristled toothbrush and warm water and gently massaging the surrounding tissue.  If the bone spur does not resolve quickly please contact our office. If sutures were placed they will usually dissolve in 4-10 days, unless told otherwise.

It is important to take ALL antibiotics as directed.

ORAL HYGIENE:

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after surgery.

Remove your denture after every meal and clean thoroughly. 

Begin using Chlorhexidine Rinse (if prescribed) the day after surgery, after breakfast and after dinner for only two weeks.  Gently swish and let the rinse fall out of your mouth (avoid spitting, which can cause bleeding ). You may use 1/4 teaspoon of salt in a glass of water as an alternative to the Chlorhexidine.

Do not use Listerine, Scope or any mouth rinses that contain alcohol for two weeks. 

SOCK-IT(if purchased):

Every time the denture is cleaned (or every 4 hours)  a pea sized amount of the Sock-it pain relieving gel can be applied inside the denture to help with discomfort.

Getting dentures is not the end of your dental care. Please make sure to see your general dentist for annual checkups (your dentist will check that your denture is in good working order and that the gum tissue underneath is healthy).

If at any time you feel you have a medical emergency, please go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS: 360-424-7057

If you have urgent questions or concerns after hours you can reach Dr. Kim at 513-802-2799.

It is best to contact Dr. Kim before 8pm as most pharmacies close at 9pm.