Post-Operative Instructions: Immediate Dentures

Keep new denture in your mouth for 7 days. The denture will act as the bandage after your surgery and will help mold the bone and tissue to an acceptable shape. Using gauze (as a cushion to bite down on) may help to keep the denture in place.

Do not drink any alcoholic or carbonated beverages until your mouth as healed. No acidic fruit juices (pineapple, tomato, orange, etc.).

Do not chew anything during the first 24 hours after denture placement. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, milk, coffee, tea, broth, or Ensure^®/Boost^®.

Keep your head elevated (at least 30-degree angle) for the next 48 hours while you are resting or sleeping.

Gentle activity is fine. You do not need to become immobile.

Follow up with your dentist after denture placement.

Follow the instructions given to you by your dentist on how to clean and care for your dentures.

Do not brush. Use saltwater rinses only until you see your dentist.

In the upcoming weeks, you may notice small slivers of bone that have worked their way up through the gums. If this happened, you can massage the gum area to help facilitate moving it to the surface.