Immediate Denture Care

Post-Surgical Protocols: Immediate Dentures & Extraction Site Management

I. Critical 24-Hour Induction Period

• Continuous Wear: Immediate dentures must remain in the mouth for the first 24 hours post-surgery without removal. The prosthesis acts as a "pressure bandage" to stabilize blood clots, minimize edema (swelling), and control initial hemorrhage. 

• DO NOT REMOVE DENTURE IF IMPLANTS ARE ATTACHED TO DENTURE.

• Premature Removal: Removing the prosthesis early may lead to tissue swelling that prevents reinsertion, potentially requiring surgical intervention or professional adjustment.

II. Mandatory Hygiene & Prosthetic Care

• Post-Induction Cleansing (After 24 Hours): Remove the prosthesis to perform a gentle saline rinse. Do not scrub the surgical sites.

• Debridement: Clean the denture thoroughly after every meal using a non-abrasive cleanser or mild soap. Warning: Standard toothpaste is abrasive and will create microscopic scratches that harbor bacteria; do not use it on the prosthesis.

• Adhesive Removal: All residual adhesive (e.g., Fixodent) must be removed from both the tissue and the denture daily to prevent fungal infections (Candidiasis).

• Nocturnal Rest: After the initial 7-day healing phase, the prosthesis must be removed at night. Continuous wear beyond the initial healing period leads to accelerated bone resorption and tissue inflammation.

III. Management of Specialized Implant Sites

If implants were placed during the extraction visit:

• Targeted Sanitation: Remove the denture and clean each implant abutment individually using a cotton swab (Q-tip) saturated with Chlorhexidine (Peridex).

• Biofilm Control: Ensure no food debris or adhesive is trapped between the implant and the denture base, as this can lead to early implant failure.

IV. Clinical Expectations & Biological Reality

• Esthetic vs. Functional: Immediate dentures are "healing splints" designed primarily for esthetics. Due to the immediate nature of the placement, they will not fit with the precision of a final prosthesis.

• Bone Remodeling: As the alveolar bone and gingival tissues heal and shrink, the denture will become loose. This is a normal biological progression and not a defect in the prosthesis.

• The Reline Schedule (Patient Responsibility):

  • 1 Month: A temporary "soft" reline is typically required to compensate for initial tissue shrinkage.

  • 3–6 Months: A laboratory "hard" reline or a new final prosthesis is required once bone stabilization is complete.

V. Dietary & Lifestyle Restrictions

• Phase I (48 Hours): Liquid or pureed diet only (smoothies, protein shakes, lukewarm soups).

• Phase II (Day 3–14): Soft mechanical diet (eggs, mashed potatoes, soft pasta).

• Negative Pressure Warning: Do not use straws, spit forcefully, or smoke. The suction created can dislodge the "Golden Clot" (blood clot), leading to Alveolar Osteitis (Dry Socket).

VI. Disclosure of Financial Responsibility & Limited Warranty

Notice of Clinical Limitations: The patient acknowledges that the fee paid for "Immediate Dentures" covers the fabrication and initial delivery of the healing prosthesis.

1. Separate Fees: Relines (soft or hard), rebasing, and tissue conditioners required during the 6-month healing phase are separate clinical procedures and will incur additional professional fees.

2. Implant Risk: Tobacco use and failure to maintain hygiene protocols significantly increase the risk of implant rejection.

3. Final Prosthetics: Immediate dentures are often temporary. A final, definitive denture or implant-retained bridge may be recommended after 6 months of healing, which constitutes a separate treatment plan and fee.

Acknowledgment: By accepting this prosthesis, the patient acknowledges that they have read and understood the biological limitations of immediate dentures and agrees to comply with the mandatory 3-month professional maintenance interval.