If your missing teeth are making you self-conscious or giving you trouble when it comes to eating or speaking, you might be interested in receiving dentures. Modern dentures look like natural teeth and feel extremely comfortable, but like almost any new item you wear, it can take some time to get used to them. Read on to learn about what you can expect throughout your first thirty days with your new teeth and what you can do to keep them comfortable.
During Day One
In some cases, you might need tooth extraction before the dentures can be placed. You will receive antibiotics and pain relievers for the healing process. During this period, the dentures act as a bandage protecting the healing gum tissue, so don’t remove them for the first twenty-four hours. This is the one night where wearing your dentures to bed is recommended.
Throughout the First Two Weeks
After this first day, you should remove your dentures before bed so your gums have time to relax while the mouth carries out its natural cleaning process. Submerge your appliance in water or cleanser so it doesn’t dry out. The extraction sites will be sore, so it’s best to only eat soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese until they finish healing. You should be ready for hard food again within two to four weeks after receiving dentures.
Your mouth will have to get used to your new dental appliance. Developing sore spots is normal during the first few days of wearing dentures. Many patients report that their mouths secrete more saliva than normal during this period.
The gum tissue will contract during the healing process, so you might need to visit your dentist a few times to get your dentures adjusted to fit comfortably. If eating is still uncomfortable, you can supplement meals with a store-bought protein beverage.
After Two Weeks
After the first two weeks, your mouth should be well on its way to feeling comfortable with dentures. There should be fewer sore spots and saliva should be around normal levels. You might need some time to get used to eating and speaking with dentures. Practice is a great way to refine your speech at this point. You might want to read a favorite book aloud while keeping a list of difficult words, or practicing conversing with a friend or family member.
After thirty days, your dentures should fit comfortably. The fit will shift over time as your mouth changes and the dentures endure some wear and tear. Make a dental appointment if this happens.
Dentures are a great way to restore a smile, but starting out with them is like getting a pair of new boots. While they might feel uncomfortable and pinch you here and there in the beginning, with more wear, they can feel as comfortable as an old sweater.
About the Author
Dr. Herbert T. Hudson earned his doctorate from the Louisville School of Dental Medicine. He has helped generations of families maintain their dental health in the Pinehurst and Taylortown area since 1985. His office provides a wide range of general dental services as well as restorative treatment options like dentures. For more information or additional assistance with adjusting to dentures, contact him online or give him a call at (910) 295-2750.