You have just had an immediate denture placed in your mouth. The following information will assist you to understand the sequence of events during the healing period:
- Teeth have been removed from your mouth. Stitches may have been placed to help the mouth heal. If so, they will dissolve by themselves over several days, unless we tell you differently.
- Dentures have been placed to replace your missing teeth and gum tissue. Initially, these dentures will feel large and bulky until your gums have healed and shrunk slightly, at which time we will reline the dentures to make then thinner and less bulky. The dentures may cause your speech to be altered for a few days, but this feeling will disappear soon.
- Do not take the dentures out of your mouth today. We will remove them tomorrow. The new dentures serve as a bandage during the initial healing. After the initial denture removal and adjustment by us, you should remove the dentures frequently for cleaning.
- Some discomfort is usually present when teeth are removed and immediate dentures are placed. The discomfort is due to one or two reasons:
- The trauma of removing teeth. Within a few days the discomfort will go away.
- The denture may have pressure spots that become sore. If so, the pressure spots will be observed and removed by us as soon as you tell us about the discomfort. They will not go away by themselves.
- If you have been given antibiotics, it is important to continue with the therapy until all of the tables have been taken.
- Tylenol can be used if you are experiencing discomfort while you are bleeding.
- Ice the external areas of your face where the teeth were removed. The cooling effect of the ice will reduce swelling and bruising. However, some swelling and bruising may still occur for a short time.
- Your denture will be relined to refine its fit to adapt to the healing supporting tissues as many times as necessary. The in-office relines are included in the cost of your denture for the first year. As this time, the denture will appear fit and function as intended.
- The majority of the healing from tooth extractions continue for up to 18 months. Shrinkage of gums and bone is obvious during that time, but it slows thereafter. You should have a laboratory reline of the denture any time after 12 months after the initial surgery. This reline is not included in your initial fee.
- Cool water and a toothbrush are useful in removing debris and microorganisms from the denture. You must leave the dentures out of your mouth at least 3 hours per day. Leaving the denture out at night is usually the most convenient time. If they are out of your mouth, leave them soaking in water to avoid dehydration and shrinkage.
- Immediate dentures are a major change for your body. It may take some time to adapt to them. We expect your denture to serve well for many years after an initial period of adapting to it.
I have read and have been fully informed of the fees and problems associated with complete dentures, temporary dentures and immediate dentures and the alternative treatments available and the necessity for follow-up care. I have had the opportunity to ask any questions I may have in connection with the treatment and fees and to discuss my concerns with my dentist. After thorough consideration, I consent to complete the denture process as recommended.