So, you’ve had your natural teeth removed, and you’re nursing your swollen gums with immediate dentures. You’re on day 3 after the immediate dentures have been placed, and your gums are feeling sorer and rawer than they were initially. There’s a saying that things will get worse before they get better, and it certainly applies in this case. Day 3 after having immediate dentures placed can be the roughest.
If you’ve just taken advantage of our immediate denture services and are experiencing a particularly difficult third day, rest assured that this is a very normal experience. Here are some common teething issues that may show up about day 3 after immediate dentures.
Swelling & Soreness
You will experience swelling and soreness for the first day or two, but it will typically peak on day 3. Your gums are still healing, and they will need a few days to settle back down. The bad news is that your immediate dentures may cause irritation or feel a little tight against your swollen gums. The good news is that the swelling will begin to subside in about a day, so hang in there with a warm salt water rinse at the ready and over-the-counter pain relief as required.
Difficulty Speaking & Eating
There are two things we generally do with our mouths: talk and eat. Teeth play a massive role in each of these actions, and it’s something we may take for granted until they’re gone. Part and parcel of adapting to new cosmetic dentures is reclaiming the power of speech, which should come fairly naturally with a little patience and practice. While you’re still figuring out how immediate dentures feel in your mouth, you should stick to soft or liquid foods, such as mashed potatoes, yoghurt, or soup, avoiding hard or sticky foods that could irritate gums or dislodge dentures.
Overproduction of Saliva
If you salivate a lot while wearing dentures, this could be a sign of an ill fit. Excess salivation usually means that your dentures are pressing against — hence, overstimulating — the salivatory glands. Because your gums are swollen and your immediate dentures are still feeling tight or finding their place in your mouth, a little extra drool is perfectly normal around day 3. This should normalise as your mouth begins to heal.
Issues with Fit
Of course, it can also go the other way. While swelling is an inevitable aftereffect of tooth extraction, gum tissue contraction is also part of the healing process — and each process occurs concurrently, however paradoxical it may seem. If your day 3 sees the swelling subsiding more than it is peaking, your dentures may pose the issue of a loose fit. If your dentures feel uncomfortable or like they’re a little too loose in your mouth, we have denture relining services available.
Immediate Denture Aftercare
Whether you’re grappling with ill-fitting immediate dentures or general post-extraction soreness, immediate denture aftercare will benefit you — especially if you’re at the tender stage of day 3 after immediate dentures. We’ve already said our piece about eating soft or liquid foods, so here are some other ways you can make your recovery a little more bearable.
Apply a Cold Compress
If the swelling gets bad, applying a cold compress to your face can be a pretty good Band-Aid fix. Hold the compress in place for 10 to 15 minutes before switching to the other cheek (assuming both sides are giving you grief).
Use Denture Adhesives (If Applicable)
If your dentist or denturist recommends a denture adhesive, you should use it when necessary. As long as you don’t overdo it, an adhesive can be very helpful for holding your dentures in place and improving their fit.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene is more important than ever around day 3 after immediate dentures. Any food debris or bacterial buildup could infect the gums while they’re in this vulnerable state, potentially delaying healing. So, before you go to bed, make sure to remove your dentures and give them a good clean using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. You should also rinse your mouth with warm salt water or antibacterial mouthwash.
It’s important to practice this routine moving forward, as dentures require more meticulous cleaning than natural teeth do. For instance, full dentures sit directly over the gums, creating more bacteria-accumulating pockets and shielding artificial teeth from saliva’s cleansing flow. On the other hand, an immediate partial denture — while better exposed to salivation — has more surfaces where bacteria and food particles can collect, such as around the metal clasps.
Can Immediate Dentures Be Permanent?
With a few adjustments and a decent reline, immediate dentures can become permanent, but a good denturist will advise you against it. However well-acquainted you become with your appliance during the healing period, remember that immediate dentures are intended to be a temporary solution for gums misshapen by trauma and swelling. They won’t be a perfect fit for your jaw alignment and oral structure post-recovery — and this can cause issues with comfort, speech, and eating.
If you’re in a position where you can’t afford new dentures or are finding it hard to transition from what you’ve grown accustomed to, there are ways to retain your immediate dentures for permanent use, but it will involve a conversation with your denturist. Talking to them may prove clarifying and help you find a workable solution moving forward.
Let’s Get You Some Denture Solutions — Immediately
Whether you’re just starting your immediate denture journey, you’re due for a reline, or you want to transition to a more permanent appliance, Direct Denture Care has all your denture services covered. The sooner you book an appointment, the sooner we can get acquainted with your mouth. Aesthetic functionality and speech aren’t as far away as you think — head over to our Contact Us page and fill out our enquiry form to get started.
