The dentures you have received are a replacement for your missing teeth. They will attempt to support your jaws, restore your chewing ability, and improve your appearance. This information will assist you in your adjustment to the new dentures.

Your dentures were made to fit the anticipated shape of your mouth after the removal of the teeth. Modifications to the denture are always necessary and will continue during the healing period. Many changes have occurred at one time, and it may take some time to become adjusted to your new dentures.

The First 24 Hours
It is VERY IMPORTANT to keep the immediate denture in your mouth until the doctor sees you the day after surgery. The denture serves as a dressing to help stop the bleeding. If the denture is taken out, you may not be able to replace it due to swelling of the tissue.

Changes of the Mouth
The most common changes following immediate denture delivery are:
1. Immediate swelling
2. Increase in saliva
3. Speech alteration
4. Discomfort
5. Gagging
6. Difficulty in swallowing
7. Mouth odor
8. Minor bleeding
You may experience some of these problems. They can all be overcome as you become used to the new dentures and as the doctor adjusts them to fit your mouth.

First Post-Delivery Appointment
The day after you receive your dentures, the doctor will see you to adjust the denture for sore areas, the bite, and any other initial problems. You will be given further instructions for the use and care of the denture at this appointment.

Further Appointments
As you heal and use the dentures during the weeks after surgery, the dentures will occasionally become loose due to the normal shrinkage of the gums from healing. This will be adjusted as needed until healing is complete.

Cleaning
To clean the denture, rinse it under running water and brush it lightly. DO NOT soak the denture in a denture cleaning solution. If you take the denture out of your mouth, store it in a container with plain water.

Final Denture
When healing is complete, a final denture will be constructed, or the immediate dentures will be relined as the doctor discussed with you previously. These procedures will be the second phase of your rehabilitation.