Getting Dentures? Know What To Expect Right After Receiving Them
If you are new to getting dentures, the first few days after receiving them are certainly going to be a big change. Here are some things that you can expect so that you can be better prepared for using your new dentures.
The Dentures Will Feel Large
One of the first impressions that you may have with your new dentures is that they feel too large in your mouth. It will be an adjustment to have the plate rest against the roof of your mouth, with your tongue rubbing against it and feeling like it has a lot less room than it did before. Be aware that this is a common feeling for many first-time denture users, but you will adjust to it over time. It's comparable to the feeling of having any dental work done. It may feel odd at first, but over time it will become a normal sensation to you. Make sure to give the dentures time and continue to wear them during the first week so that you can adjust to them quickly.
The Dentures Will Make Eating Difficult
Learning to chew your food will be a process you have to relearn since it is different when using dentures. Try cutting your food into small pieces and taking your time to chew each piece. The meals will go slower than usual, but you'll adjust over time and get back to eating at your normal pace.
The Dentures Will Feel Painful
You should expect your gums and cheeks to hurt during the adjustment period to wearing dentures. You will have a new dental appliance in your mouth that you've never worn before, which can cause soft tissues to be sensitive to what is rubbing up against them. It will help to use a saltwater rinse to make your mouth feel better, and you can use the rinse several times a day as needed.
The Dentures WIll Generate Saliva
Another problem that people notice after wearing dentures is that they end up generating a lot more saliva than they usually do. This is another problem that you will eventually adjust to over time but can be difficult to deal with at first. You may need to constantly remind yourself to swallow your saliva more often so that it doesn't build up. It also helps to have candy on hand at first so that you naturally make the sucking motion to get rid of the saliva. Just don't overdo it with the candy, especially if you still have some natural teeth.
For more information about dentures, contact a dentist like Tony Parsley, DMD.