People who have lived with dentures for years and years are often incredibly grateful for what they can do for them. After a while, it may even be hard for them to imagine living without them.
However, that certainly isn’t the case at first. Like with anything, dentures can take a lot of getting used to when you first start wearing them. Here’s what the first few weeks of wearing your prosthetic are likely to look like.
Days After
When you first get your prosthetic, you may still be recovering from a tooth extraction. If so, your dentures will function as a bandage to seal off the extraction wounds. This will be the only time that your dentist would recommend wearing your prosthetic for a full 24 hours.
After that, you should remove your dentures each night to soak them. You’ll probably need that, as the first few days are liable to be fairly uncomfortable as your gums get used to the dentures. Keep over-the-counter pain relief handy, and take a break from wearing them if things get painful.
Weeks After
Once the initial discomfort and sore spots start to fade, you should get to the point where your dentures are a little easier to wear. This will start the process of the gums healing, which may cause them to shrink back to their normal size. As a result, you will probably need to see your dentist for frequent relinings.
You may also deal with some excess saliva as your mouth adjusts to the prosthetic, which should fade with time.
Months After
After a month or so, you should finally be used to how it feels to wear your dentures, and they should start fitting you well. Now comes the final hurdle—actually learning to live with them!
Talking and chewing with your dentures will feel a little strange at first, but if you take time out of your day to practice these things deliberately, you’ll master them in no time.
About the Author
Dr. Rupeshwar Renkuntla has been in dentistry for over two decades, and in that time his passion for helping his patients smile has only gotten stronger. That shows in his dedication to getting patients the dedicated care they deserve. Dr. Renkuntla first studied dentistry in India before moving to the US, where he finished dental school in Oklahoma. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association.
If you have any questions about dentures, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (817) 989-2832.