A Day-by-Day Guide to Your First Week with Same-Day Dentures

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Same-day dentures have become a gamer-changer for those seeking an instant solution to tooth loss. Rather than months of recovery, patients get a complete smile in just one visit. But as exciting as it is to walk out of the dental office with a full set of teeth, the first week with your new same-day dentures can be a bit challenging. Understanding what to expect and how to care for your dentures will help make this transition a little smoother.

Day 1: Adjusting to Your New Smile

The first thing you’re likely to experience post-extraction is a little pain and discomfort. This is completely normal as the numbness from the extraction wears off and your body begins the healing process. Pain relievers are often prescribed to help you manage pain, and it’s a good idea to take the first dose before the numbness fully subsides. You might also get a prescription for antibiotics. Taking these as prescribed is crucial to ensuring that you don’t end up with an infection

Another thing you might notice is an increase in saliva production. This is also completely normal. Your brain is reacting to the dentures as if they were food, which triggers more saliva. This should decrease after a few days as your mouth gets used to the new appliance.

Days 2-3: Managing Soreness and Discomfort

Some soreness and stiffness in your mouth and jaw are common throughout the first week. Your body is still getting used to the fact that teeth are missing, while at the same time, your mouth is getting accustomed to holding dentures. Don’t worry, this discomfort is temporary and with each day the pain will diminish.

It’s important to follow your dentist’s post-surgical advice. Avoid any activities that might disturb the healing process, like smoking, drinking through a straw, and very hot or very cold food and beverages which can disrupt the healing process and cause a painful condition known as dry socket.

Days 4-5: Getting Comfortable with Eating

By the middle of the week, you should start feeling more comfortable with your dentures. However, eating can still be a bit tricky. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, scrambled eggs, and mashed potatoes. These foods don’t require much chewing and are gentle on your healing gums. As you get used to the dentures, you can slowly introduce more solid foods.

Days 6-7: Follow-Up Appointment and Adjustments

Before the end of your first week, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled to see how you’re healing. During this visit your dentist will examine your gums and check that your dentures are fitting well. If you are still experiencing issues with pain or soreness, they may make adjustments to improve ethe fit. This might include adding a temporary lining to cushion your gums as they continue to heal and change shape.

Remember, your gums and jawbone will gradually shrink and reshape as they heal, which means your dentures might feel loose or uncomfortable at times. Regular adjustments are key to maintaining a good fit and avoiding irritation.