Dentures let you enjoy a natural-looking grin again, allow you to eat a variety of foods, and can give you an overall increase in your confidence. However, they also feel and act distinctly different from your original teeth, and adjusting to them takes time. When you first get dentures, you’ll generally spend the next month or so getting used to them. Below is a brief summary of what you can expect during this period.
The First Day
Sometimes it’s possible to get dentures on the same day that you have your teeth extracted. If that’s the case for you, then you should plan on wearing your dentures for a full 24 hours so that it can reduce bleeding. Note that this only applies for the first 24 hours; once your mouth has sufficiently healed, you should start taking your dentures out every night before you go to sleep.
Weeks One and Two
There will likely be a little bit of discomfort during the first couple of weeks of wearing dentures. In particular, certain spots on your gums may be sore during the first few days. Pain medications like ibuprofen can often help you stay comfortable.
You may also notice an unusually high amount of saliva in your mouth at first. This is a completely normal reaction. It’s due to your body initially seeing your denture as a foreign object.
It’s important to pay attention to any changes in your mouth during the first two weeks. As your mouth heals, your gum tissue will contract, changing its overall shape; as such, you may need to call your dentist to have your dentures adjusted so that they continue to fit properly.
Weeks Three and Four
After a certain point, your body will get used to your dentures, and your saliva production will return to normal. Any sore spots should also start to fade over time. As such, your main focus after the first two weeks should be on learning how to eat and speak properly with dentures.
During meals, you should cut your food into very small pieces that are easy to manage. As for speaking, reading aloud can be a useful way to identify words that are giving you trouble so that you can practice repeating them.
What to Expect After 30 Days
Many people find that they are largely used to their dentures after a month’s time. At this point, you should be able to start enjoying the benefits that your new prosthesis has to offer. Just be sure to call your dentist immediately if you notice any changes, such as significant damage to your dentures.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Wehrkamp went to the Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Science. He first opened his private practice in Brandon in 1981, and since then he has always focused on bringing his patients personable, judgment-free dental care. His practice, Wehrkamp Dentistry, offers dentures along with other forms of tooth replacement. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wehrkamp, visit his website or call (605) 582-6522.