Caring for your immediate dentures after extractions
If you've just had teeth extracted and immediate dentures fitted at Northern Rivers Denture Clinic in Tweed Heads, this guide will help you through the first critical weeks of healing. Your oral surgeon or dentist will give you specific instructions for your situation, and those always take priority. This page covers what to expect, how to care for your mouth and dentures, and when to seek help.
If you're ever unsure or concerned, call us to make an appointment. Your prosthetist is available for face-to-face advice whenever you need it.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after getting immediate dentures?
Keep your immediate denture in place continuously for the first 24 hours unless your surgeon tells you otherwise. The denture works like a protective bandage over the extraction sites, helping to control bleeding and swelling while supporting the blood clot.
Some blood-tinged saliva is normal for the first 24–72 hours. You might notice a pink tinge in your mouth or on your pillow. If bleeding increases, close your teeth together gently but firmly to apply pressure with the denture for 10–15 minutes.
Do not remove the denture during this first day. Once swelling starts, it can be difficult or impossible to get the denture back in.
Avoid rinsing vigorously, spitting forcefully, smoking or using straws during the first 24 hours. These actions disturb the blood clot and increase bleeding.
Swelling usually peaks around days 2–3, then gradually settles. Apply cold packs to the outside of your face (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) during the first 24–48 hours. Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help reduce swelling.
When can I remove my immediate denture to clean it?
After 24 hours, once your dentist or surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can begin gentle cleaning and rinsing. This is usually at your first review appointment.
Carefully remove your denture as instructed. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salty water (half to one teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day, especially after meals. Let the water roll out of your mouth into the basin rather than spitting forcefully.
Cleaning your immediate denture
Use a soft denture brush or soft toothbrush with a non-abrasive denture cleanser or mild liquid soap. Clean all surfaces of the denture thoroughly.
Don't use regular toothpaste on your denture. Most toothpastes are too abrasive and will scratch the surface.
Rinse the denture well with cool or lukewarm water. Never use hot water, which can warp the acrylic.
Once cleaned, put the denture back in your mouth promptly unless your clinician has asked you to leave it out for a period.
What can I eat with new immediate dentures?
Eating will feel different at first. Start slowly and give yourself time to adapt.
For the first day or two, stick to cool liquids and very soft foods like cooled soups, smoothies, yoghurt, mashed vegetables and scrambled eggs.
Avoid very hot food and drinks until the numbness has completely worn off. You can easily burn yourself without realising.
As you become more comfortable, gradually introduce soft, easy-to-chew foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly on both sides to keep the denture balanced.
Avoid hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy foods like nuts, crusty bread and toffees until your prosthetist says you're ready.
It's normal for eating to feel awkward and for your bite to feel off during the early healing phase. Your prosthetist at Northern Rivers Denture Clinic can adjust pressure spots and refine the bite at follow-up visits.
Excess saliva and speech changes
Many patients notice excess saliva in the first week as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the denture. This usually settles within one to two weeks.
Certain sounds may be harder to pronounce at first. Practising reading aloud and speaking slowly helps you adapt more quickly. Most patients find their speech returns to normal within a few weeks.
Dealing with sore spots
Sore spots or areas of rubbing under the denture are common as the tissues heal and change shape. Do not try to tough it out with painful sore spots.
Call Northern Rivers Denture Clinic so your prosthetist can make small adjustments to relieve pressure and prevent ulcers. These appointments are quick and make a significant difference to your comfort.
Should I sleep with my immediate denture in?
Follow your surgeon or dentist's advice first, as recommendations can vary.
Commonly, you'll be asked to wear your immediate denture continuously, including overnight, for the first 24 hours or a few days to support the healing tissues.
After that initial period, many clinicians recommend removing the denture at night so your gums can rest and the denture can be cleaned.
Your prosthetist will discuss when to start leaving your denture out overnight and how to store it safely, usually in water or denture solution.
Follow-up appointments and relines
Regular reviews are an important part of immediate denture treatment. You'll usually be seen within the first few days after surgery for an initial check-up and denture adjustment.
As your gums and jawbone heal, they naturally shrink and change shape over several months. This makes your denture feel loose or unstable.
Temporary soft linings or tissue conditioners may be added inside the denture to improve comfort and fit during the healing phase.
A more permanent reline or new denture is often recommended once healing is complete, typically after several months.
If you feel your denture becoming loose or notice food trapping underneath more often, contact us to discuss whether a reline or adjustment is needed.
When should I call for help?
While some discomfort and minor changes are expected, seek professional advice if you notice:
Heavy or persistent bleeding that doesn't slow after applying firm pressure as instructed.
Increasing swelling after day 3, especially if accompanied by fever or feeling unwell.
Severe pain not controlled by your prescribed or recommended pain relief.
Signs of infection such as increasing redness, heat, pus, a foul taste that doesn't improve, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Denture sores that don't improve after adjustment or areas where the denture feels very sharp or painful.
Ongoing difficulty swallowing or breathing, or any sudden change that worries you – seek urgent medical care.
If in doubt, call your surgeon, dentist or Northern Rivers Denture Clinic for advice. Post-operative appointments are always available. There's no need to wait and see if something feels wrong.
Common questions about immediate denture care
How long does it take to get used to immediate dentures?
Most patients adjust to basic functions like eating soft foods and speaking within 2–4 weeks. Full confidence with a wider range of foods typically takes 2–3 months as your mouth heals and your prosthetist refines the fit.
Can I take my immediate denture out at night straight away?
Not during the first 24 hours, and possibly not for the first few days. Your surgeon or dentist will tell you when it's safe to start removing the denture overnight. This allows your gums to rest and promotes healing.
Why does my immediate denture feel loose after a few weeks?
Your gums and bone are shrinking as they heal. This is completely normal. A temporary reline can improve fit during healing, and a permanent reline or new denture is usually done once healing is complete, typically 3–6 months after extractions.
What if my immediate denture breaks?
Call Northern Rivers Denture Clinic immediately. We offer same-day denture repairs in Tweed Heads for most breaks and can often accommodate urgent appointments. Don't try to repair it yourself with superglue, as this can make professional repair more difficult and damage the denture permanently.
How do I know if I have an infection after extractions?
Watch for increasing pain after day 3, swelling that gets worse instead of better, fever, pus, or a persistent foul taste. If you notice any of these signs, contact your surgeon or dentist immediately.
Call (07) 5536 4241
Free 30-minute Consultation
at our Tweed Heads denture clinic
We believe in informed decisions. That's why we offer free 30-minute consultations to all our patients, new and existing. During this no-pressure appointment, we'll discuss your denture needs and goals, provide a personalised treatment plan and clear cost estimate, with no obligation to proceed. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered.
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