Warwick, Rhode Island · Medicaid & most insurance accepted
Primeau DentalCARE THAT HELPS YOU SMILE401-737-9363Your patient care guide
Welcome to Your Healing Denture
Your care package, what to expect, and how to care for your denture as your mouth heals.
Understanding your healing denture
- On the day of surgery, or shortly afterward, you may receive an immediate denture, according to your treatment plan. It is important to understand what to expect during the first few weeks of healing.
- Your immediate denture is made before your teeth are removed. Because of this, it is not made directly on your final healed gums. During the first several weeks, your gums and bone will go through a large amount of healing and shrinkage.
- Getting used to your denture takes time. Your fit will change as your mouth heals, and follow-up visits and adjustments are a normal part of this process. We are here to help you through those changes.
What your healing denture package includes
- A healing denture to wear during your healing period.
- Adjustments as needed as swelling settles and the shape of your gums changes.
- Two complimentary soft relines to help your denture adapt to your healing gums.
What to expect during the first few weeks
- During the first few weeks, your immediate denture may feel large, bulky, thick, or uncomfortable. It may feel loose or unstable, or move while you are talking or eating.
- Sore spots or pressure areas can develop as swelling changes. These changes can be frustrating, but they are a common part of getting used to a healing denture.
- As healing progresses and swelling goes down, the denture may begin pressing or digging into certain areas. Please contact us about areas that need attention so we can help with adjustments.
A protective covering while you heal
- During the first 2–3 weeks, we mainly consider the immediate denture to function as a “bandage” or wound covering.
- It helps protect the extraction sites and cover the healing gums.
- It helps prevent food from packing into surgical areas and reduces irritation to the healing tissues.
- At this stage, the denture’s fit and comfort will change significantly. Your mouth is still healing, and your immediate denture is not the same as a denture made for your final healed gums.
Your follow-up visits and adjustments
- Around one week: Because swelling changes rapidly during the first few weeks, you will usually return for adjustments to your immediate denture.
- Around three to four weeks: You will usually return for additional adjustments and placement of your first soft liner.
- Your gums and bone naturally shrink during healing. Additional adjustments are usually necessary during the first several months, so keep your follow-up appointments even as you become more comfortable with your denture.
How soft liners help
- A soft liner acts like a cushion inside your denture. It helps fill the spaces created as your gums heal and shrink, allowing the immediate denture to adapt more comfortably to your healing gums.
- First soft liner: Typically placed approximately 3–4 weeks after extraction. It usually lasts about 2–3 months from placement.
- Second soft liner: Usually placed around the third month. It remains until approximately the sixth or seventh month, when you are ready for your final denture.
- We will advise you about timing based on how your mouth is healing.
Caring for your soft liner during the first 3 days
- For the first 3 days after your soft liner is placed, do not brush the soft liner or the inside of your denture.
- Gently clean the soft lining with a wet cloth and cold tap water. Avoid scrubbing it with a denture brush or using rough, abrasive materials. These can scar the lining or cause it to separate from the denture.
- For the first 72 hours after placement, use only powder adhesive as needed. Use a very small amount, as directed by your dentist.
Daily cleaning and overnight storage
- When possible, rinse your denture with cold water after meals. Holding it under cold running water and gently wiping the soft lining with a wet cloth helps keep it clean.
- Clean the hard, rigid portion of the denture in your usual manner, taking care to avoid brushing or damaging the soft lining.
- Do not soak your denture in hot water.
- Once your dentist has instructed you to remove your denture overnight, clean it and store it in a denture cup with cold water. Follow your dentist’s instructions about wearing and removing the denture immediately after surgery.
Important information about adhesives
- On the day of surgery, we do not recommend using large amounts of denture adhesive.
- If adhesive is used, only a very small amount of powder adhesive should be used. Gel adhesive is not recommended during the early healing phase.
Reso-Pac wound dressing
- In many cases, we may provide a wound dressing called Reso-Pac®. This is a soft, lightly sticky material that can help improve comfort, help hold the denture in place, and protect the healing tissues.
- Use only a small amount and place it inside the denture where instructed. Do not overfill the denture.
- Remove and clean the denture daily as instructed by your doctor.
- If the Reso-Pac® capsule feels dry or hard, place the capsule in warm water for approximately 1–2 minutes to soften the material before use. This instruction applies to the capsule, not to soaking your denture.
Moving toward your final denture
- After your gums and tissues have healed, we recommend purchasing a separate final denture. It will be made to fit the healed shape of your mouth. We will advise you when you are ready.
- Remember that the fit and comfort of your immediate denture will change during healing, especially in the first few weeks after surgery. Follow-up visits and adjustments are an expected part of your care.
- If you are unsure about your denture, your soft liner, or your care instructions, call us at 401-737-9363. We can talk through your concerns and arrange a follow-up when needed.
LET’S TAKE THE NEXT STEP
We’re here in Warwick.
We’re ready to listen.
Call for urgent concerns or request an appointment online. Our team will help you understand what comes next.
Primeau Dental
200 Toll Gate Rd
Warwick, RI 02886