Post-Op Care and Emergencies

• Immediate Dentures are placed immediately after the teeth are removed
• Do NOT remove them for the first 48-72 hours! You will swell and your dentures may not go back in!
• Do NOT stop blood thinners or other medications prior to having the teeth removed unless directed to do so by your doctor
• After the first 2-3 days, remove them for 15-20 minutes a few times a day to clean them. Clean them well with Listerine or toothpaste while you rest your mouth. Expect a bad taste when you remove them which is expected & normal.
• Expect bleeding, swelling and bruising for the first 2-3 days after the teeth are removed. Use cold compresses for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off to help control the swelling.
• TAKE IT EASY! Immediate dentures are one of the most difficult surgeries to recover from. The first 2 weeks are extremely challenging!!!.
• Do not rinse your mouth hard at any time during the first couple weeks. Gentle swishes with warm salt water or Listerine diluted with water.
• Come back to the office for a checkup within the first 7 days after getting immediate dentures for us to check your progress and adjust your dentures. It’s ideal to return 3 days and 7 days after getting immediate dentures.

• Avoid smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing for 48 hours.

• Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing near the extraction site.

• Take care not to disturb the area with your tongue or fingers. Do not attempt to remove anything from the extraction site.

Bleeding

• Blood causes us to salivate.
• One drop of blood mixed with 9 drops of spit looks like a lot of blood!
• If you are having what you feel is an extended bleeding time, take a regular tea bag, dip it into ice cold water for 10 seconds, then bite on the tea bag for a full 30 minutes.
• Set a timer on your phone or similar to ensure it has been a full 30 minutes.

If your bleeding concerns you, call our office immediately 

Call us immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain 2–5 days after extraction, especially if the pain radiates into your ear or temple.

• Foul odor or taste in your mouth.

• Swelling, redness, or fever.

Dry socket is a condition where the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or dissolves, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This can cause extreme pain and delay healing. Follow these steps to minimize your risk:

1. Protect the Blood Clot

• Avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking for at least 48 hours. These activities can create suction that dislodges the clot.

2. Eat Soft Foods

• Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, soup, or mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that could irritate the site.

3. Be Gentle with Oral Hygiene

• Do not brush directly over the extraction site for 24–48 hours.

• Rinse gently with warm saltwater starting the day after surgery (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water). Avoid vigorous rinsing.

4. Avoid Smoking or Tobacco Products

• Smoking can delay healing and significantly increase the risk of dry socket. If you use tobacco, avoid it for at least 3–5 days.

5. Limit Physical Activity

• Rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours to prevent dislodging the clot.

6. Follow Instructions for Pain Management

• Take pain medications as directed to manage discomfort without disturbing the surgical area.

Contact our office immediately if you experience:

• Severe pain 3–5 days after the extraction. Lower molars are most common and the pain radiates into the ear 

• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that doesn’t go away.

• Visible bone at the extraction site or lack of clot formation.

1. Do NOT take excessive amounts of over the counter pain medication like Tylenol or Ibuprofen 
2. Do NOT panic!

For assistance, call us at 318-281-5972. We’re here to help you heal quickly and comfortably!