Time to Talk About – Adapting to New Dentures

If you’re considering tooth replacement therapy using dentures, it would be a good idea to understand what you can expect as you begin to get used to your new dentures.

As with any major change to the human body, there is a period of adjustment when you get new dentures, especially if you are wearing dentures for the first time. In an effort to help you make a smoother transition to wearing dentures, The Dental Health Blog has some information and advice for you on adapting to new dentures.

Be patient with your new dentures

Depending on the number of teeth you lost before you decided to replace them with dentures, your mouth may feel extraordinarily "full" when wearing your new teeth. After all, for many who begin to wear dentures for the first time, there was a great deal of excess space within their mouth, which is now full of prosthetic teeth. You should be able to adapt to having this new "object" in your mouth within a relatively short time; perhaps a few days.

Now that you have more "stuff" in your mouth, your new teeth may also inhibit the passage of food and drinks to some extent. Eat and drink more carefully than previously, until you’ve adapted fully to your new teeth. Also, with your gums now covered, you may not be quite as sensitive to heat and cold so, again, take care with extreme temperatures until you’ve adapted fully.

Of course, for most denture patients, the ability to chew their food more comfortably is the major reason for wearing dentures. At first however, you may find chewing food had become a bit more problematic for you. It may even be a bit painful, as your mouth adjusts to your new teeth. This is quite normal and should not concern you. You will adapt soon, usually within a few months, at most.

Begin by eating soft foods, such as mashed potatoes and soups, taking care with temperature, of course. Avoid extremely hard foods like peanuts, and you should also avoid lettuce and cabbage for a while. These are temporary steps you should take while eating, until your mouth has fully healed from any extractions, and your gums have adapted to your new dentures. Once you’re confident in the fit and feel of your dentures, you will likely be able to eat all the foods you had to avoid before receiving your dentures.

If you experience extreme pain, or ongoing discomfort for a protracted period, from wearing your new dentures, you should make an appointment to see your prosthodontist for a denture adjustment and refitting. Dr. Kaushal Dhawan and staff at The Colorado Center for Implant and Prosthetic Dentistry are available to help you determine effective solutions to all of your dental problems. If you would like more information from your Littleton area Prosthodontist, please call tomake an appointment today.