While dentures can be a great way to replace all of your missing teeth, it’s important to realize that there will be an adjustment period when you first get them. It will take time for your mouth to get used to the presence of the prosthesis, and eating and speaking may feel a little awkward initially. To help you prepare for the transition, here’s a closer look at what you can expect during the first month after getting dentures.
During the First 24 Hours
If you received your dentures immediately after a tooth extraction, then you will need to leave them in your mouth for the first 24 hours. This will help keep bleeding and swelling under control. There will likely be some soreness after your extraction, so plan on only eating soft foods like mashed potatoes or applesauce.
During the First Two Weeks
After the initial 24 hours, you should start taking your dentures out of your mouth every night when you go to bed. Doing so will give your gums a chance to recover from the pressure they were exposed to during the day. Remember to leave your dentures soaking in a specialized cleaning solution so that they don’t dry out before you’re ready to wear them again.
During your first two weeks of wearing dentures, you may notice some soreness, and your mouth might produce more saliva than normal. These symptoms are temporary and should eventually subside.
It should be noted that your gums will change shape as they heal. As such, to ensure that the prosthesis fits properly, it may be necessary to return to your dentist’s office a few times so that they can make the required adjustments.
After the First Two Weeks
You should notice less discomfort after you’ve been wearing your dentures for a couple of weeks. That said, you may still need a little more time to get used to speaking with your new teeth. Fortunately, you can speed up the adjustment process simply by giving yourself more practice talking. One strategy is to read aloud to yourself and take the time to repeat any words that are giving you trouble.
When eating with new dentures, you should stick to soft foods during the first two weeks. After that, you can start gradually working your way back up to firmer ones. It often helps to cut your food into smaller, easier-to-chew pieces.
After the first 30 days, you should largely be used to your dentures. That said, if you have any questions or concerns during the adjustment process, you should let your dentist know.
About the Practice
At Oak Ridge Dental, we’re committed to bringing our patients high-quality, convenient dental care. We offer expertly customized, natural-looking dentures as a way to help individuals in San Ramon enjoy complete smiles again even after experiencing extensive tooth loss. If you are thinking of getting dentures to replace all of your missing teeth, you can schedule an appointment at our office by visiting our website, using our online booking tool, or calling (925) 735-6190.
