PLACEMENT OF A DENTURE

**Your denture will be in your mouth at the end of your surgery. Unless instructed otherwise, do not remove your denture until you see your dentist tomorrow. **

BLEEDING

You may leave the office with gauze in your mouth. Keep firm pressure on it for 20-30 minutes. You will be given additional gauze, please use it in the same manner until bleeding stops (1-2 hours post-op). Expect some oozing for the duration of the day.

PAIN

Begin taking prescription pain medication or Extra Strength Tylenol directly after the surgery and continue as needed for pain. Alternate your pain medication with an anti-inflammatory (Advil, Motrin or Ibuprofen) every three hours for the next 4-5 days. (Example: Pain medication at 12:00 & 6:00; anti-inflammatory at 3:00 & 9:00.) Do not take pain medications on an empty stomach or with alcohol.

SWELLING

To minimize any swelling that may occur, apply a cold pack firmly to your cheek, adjacent to the surgical area (20 minutes on/ 20 minutes off.) Continue as needed for the next 3 days.

DIET

Maintain a nutritious diet. You will be most comfortable with soft foods. Be aware that even the softest food will take practice. If you take nourishment regularly, you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster.

EXERCISE CARE

Keeping your mouth clean after surgery is essential. DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours after surgery. Starting the second day, use warm water or 1/2 teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Gently rinse 4 or 5 times a day, particularly after meals. Tomorrow, your dentist should instruct you on how to care for your denture.

• If stitches were used, they will dissolve in a few days. Wearing your denture will not harm them.
• You may have some difficulty talking for a few days after your surgery. Try speaking slowly. Gradually, your lips and tongue will adjust to your denture.
• In most cases, you will need to see your dentist the day after surgery. He or she will remove your denture and make any adjustments.

Our goal is to make your recovery as smooth and pleasant as possible.  Following these instructions will assist you.  If you have any questions about your progress, please call 719-473-2650.