While modern dentures work incredibly well, adjusting to them still takes time. That’s only natural – the prosthetics aren’t exactly like natural teeth. Given these facts, you should learn what your first month with dentures will look like before you get them. The good news is that your Rio Rancho dentist is here to help you do just that! So, please keep reading to learn what the first month with dentures involves and what you can do to make it easier.
What the First Month with Dentures Involves
You’ll likely notice some major changes when you start wearing dentures. In particular, these shifts can be broadly sorted into the following categories:
Initial 24 Hours
During your first 24 hours with dentures, your gums will feel a bit sore. This “achiness” stems from the pressure your new restorations put on your mouth; such pressure will be unfamiliar and cause slight pain.
To compensate for the soreness, you can take several steps. One would be to only eat soft foods – soup, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc. – for a few days; they won’t upset your gums. Another idea is to wear your dentures to bed, as they’ll act as a bandage for your gums.
First Two Weeks
You’ll have to see your dentist several times over the first two weeks. The first of these visits is especially crucial, as it’ll remove your dentures without harming your gums.
You’ll likely feel mild pain or discomfort in these weeks. Indeed, some patients develop sore spots on their gums from the pressure of their dentures. A safe way to avoid aches and sore spots is to supplement meals with a protein-rich drink.
After The First Two Weeks
Once you’ve reached the two-week mark, you’ll have better adjusted to your dentures. That means you won’t have many (or any) sore spots along your gums. Even better, eating meals will have gotten at least slightly easier for you.
Please don’t worry if you still lisp after two weeks. As you speak with dentures more, this effect will eventually fade; it only persists because you haven’t fully “re-learned” how to move your mouth.
Tips for Making the Adjustment Easier
To make your adjustment to dentures easier, remember to take the following steps:
- Go Bite-Sized – As you transition from a soft food diet, cut tough foods into bite-sized pieces. They’ll be easier to chew.
- Avoid Hard & Sticky Stuff – Even if they’re tasty, avoid sticky and hard foods; they could dislodge your dentures.
- Always Practice – Overcome your denture-related lisp by reading tricky words aloud. That way, you’ll quickly learn to speak more easily.
Though the first month with dentures is tricky, it’s worthwhile. Just remember the facts (and tricks) above to get through it smoothly!
About the Practice
Southwest Dental is based in Rio Rancho, NM. Led by Drs. Ranjbaran and Johnson, our practice considers effective, kind, and relaxing dentistry its highest calling. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments that account for your needs, all while ensuring you stay comfortable. Our team also provides same-day and weekend dental emergency care as needed. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (505)-896-9399.