Post-op Instructions for Dentures and Partials: What to Expect After Placement

Once your dentures or partials are placed, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty is normal. Here’s a guide on post-op instructions to help ease your transition.

• Adjusting to your new teeth: Your mouth may feel a little full or awkward at first—everyone goes through this. Your tongue and cheeks need a little time to adjust to your restoration. You might also experience increased saliva flow, minor soreness, or slight irritation as your mouth adapts. This typically resolves within a few days to a couple of weeks.
• Practice makes perfect: Stick to soft foods during the first few days. Think yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. As you get used to your dentures, slowly reintroduce firmer foods, chewing on both sides of your mouth to keep things balanced. Speaking might sound slightly different at first, but reading aloud and repeating tricky words can help retrain your muscles. Don’t be too hard on yourself—many patients notice improvements within a week or two.
• Clean dentures diligently: Denture maintenance is paramount to avoid stains, damage, and bad odor. Rinse your dentures every time you remove them from the mouth to remove harmful bacteria, saliva, and food debris. Brush your denture twice daily with a soft brush and mild soap or denture solution. DO NOT use toothpaste as it has abrasive ingredients that might scratch the surface.
• Nighttime care: Although tempting, NEVER sleep while wearing your removable dentures. Doing so increases the risk of infections and gum irritation. Instead, soak them overnight in water or denture solution.
• Clean your remaining teeth: Food debris and harmful bacteria can lodge under your dentures. Brush and floss your teeth diligently at least twice daily. Also, clean your tongue and roof of the mouth every time you remove your dentures.
• Don’t repair your dentures: Repairing your dentures yourself might seem like a quick and cost-effective fix. Unfortunately, it can lead to costly repairs. A well-fitting denture is carefully crafted to match your mouth. One wrong move with home repairs could cause further damage or change how it fits, causing sore spots and gum irritation. Always take your denture to the dentist for repair.
• Regular dental visits: Ensure you visit your dentist at least two times annually. Your dentist will check the fit of your dentures and make any adjustments to maintain comfort and stability. Regular dental cleanings also help remove any built-in plaque and surface stains.