Your denture should be left in place for the first 24 hours. It protects the blood clot in the extraction socket
and this clot is vital to ensure healing without complications.
- If bleeding occurs keep the denture in place and apply pressure over the socket, by biting on the gauze provided, for 20 minutes. If bleeding fails to stop take the denture out and reapply the pressure directly over the socket with a clean piece of gauze (see INSTRUCTIONS and SUGGESTIONS for PATIENTS following EXTRACTIONS).
- After 24 hours remove the denture, rinse your mouth with salt water and then clean the denture under running water with a toothbrush
- Replace the denture in the mouth and wear it for a second night. It may be a little difficult and sore to reinsert.
- On waking remove the denture again and repeat the cleaning process outlined in 3 above.
- The denture should now be removed and cleaned after each meal. It should also be removed every night and left in water. This allows the soft tissue a rest and an opportunity for saliva to clean. If the denture is worn continuously it is common for the soft tissue to become infected with Candida (a fungus found in many healthy mouths).
- Any stitches or packing, if not resorbable, will be removed after a week at a postoperative review.
- If the denture covers the roof of the mouth expect a small temporary change in speech during the first few days as the tongue adjusts.
These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the information sheet INSTRUCTIONS and SUGGESTIONS for PATIENTS following EXTRACTIONS.
