FIRST 24 - 48 HOURS: Do not take the denture out until the morning following your extractions. Oozing of blood around the denture is normal and is not cause for concern. Your immediate denture not only replaces your missing teeth, but it is acting to protect the surgical site, and control swelling and bleeding. The denture needs to be in place to be effective. First morning after the procedure, after washing your hands, carefully remove the denture using both hands. Stand over the sink counter. Rinse the denture carefully under cold water. Then scrub both the inside and outside with the denture brush using only cold water. Do not use soap, denture cleaners, or toothpaste. Carefully put the denture on the counter and gently rinse your mouth using a teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of very warm water. Do not expectorate forcefully. Put the denture back in your mouth. Go ahead and clean any remaining natural teeth as you normally would at this time. Repeat the above procedure for the next two mornings.
FOURTH DAY AFTER THE EXTRACTION: you should take the denture out at bedtime. Rinse and scrub it as described above. Rinse your mouth again with the warm salt water. Put the denture in a denture cup/container and cover it with clean, cold water. Leave it there while you sleep. After rinsing it again, put it back in your mouth in the morning. Continue with the warm salt water rinses for at least 7-10 days. (Do not use denture cleaning tablets or adhesive until instructed).
APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DENTIST: If you don’t have an appointment with your dentist within a week from the extraction, please call at 661-857-7662 to set up an appointment.
PAIN/ MEDICATIONS: Take all medications as prescribed and as directed by your surgeon and your physician on your regular medications. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is very effective. Two to four tablets may be taken up to four times a day for the next 3–4 days (if needed) to help control the sensitivity in this area. If you have a medical condition or gastrointestinal disorder which precludes ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a substitute, although it does not contain anti-inflammatory properties. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products are NOT advisable, as they tend to increase bleeding from the area that was treated. You may also alternate ibuprofen and Tylenol as instructed.
SWELLING: Swelling is common after oral surgery for up to one week with the maximum amount of swelling usually present 2-3 days after surgery. The swelling will slowly resolve over 4-7 days. Apply an ice bag to the outside of the face for 15-20 minutes, and then leave off for 15-20 minutes. Repeat for 24 hours, and then discontinue using the ice. This will reduce discomfort, bleeding and swelling.
EATING/ ACTIVITIES: After extractions do not spit, rinse, smoke or suck on a straw. Avoid hot or carbonated beverages. All of these things can dislodge blood clots that are necessary for healing. Soft foods that don’t require chewing for the first few days are recommended (like soups, yogurt, pasta, eggs, potatoes, bananas, smoothies). Avoid hard or crunchy foods. Drink plenty of water, but do not go on a liquid diet. Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours. You may resume normal physical activity as tolerated 2-3 days after your surgery.
SORE SPOT, UNEVEN BITE: Please give us a call at 661-857-7662 for a simple adjustment of the denture.