Well, I'm home now. Had my oral surgery today at 930am.

Is it normal to have some bleeding afterwards? I had gauze in my mouth afterwards and they were totally soaked. I took them out, and I kept on spitting out blood. Thankfully, that part is over with.

These dentures really feel weird. I hope can I get used to them soon. And I feel as if I am going to have to learn how to speak all over again :(

WOW! good for u jack of hearts!Yes bleeding is normal..i bled for almost 2 days! not heavy though.DONT spit!....lol just let it drool out over the sink, toliet etc...Good way to get dry socket. I didnt get my immediate dentures as im going the old fashioned way..total extraction 4/1. Kepp my posted to how you are doing...hugs gossgal

Glad to hear that you got through it alive :) ((((((((((hugs))))))))))) and from what I heard a little patience and time helps you get through the adjustment to the dentures.

Congrats!!! the first couple days are the hardest. Take some adjusting but I'm sure you will do fine. Like they said bleeding is normal but just dont spit cant say that enough. Dry socket is so much worse than the pain of extraction. Good Luck! Keep us posted. I am at 2 1/2 weeks post-extraction lol myself. Still learning to eat lol. Take care. Dena :D

Congrats!!!, yes bleeding for a couple of days is normal. The dentures will help stop the bleeding sooner as they kinda act like a band-aid. Just take it easy, one step at a time and you'll do fine. I hope you like your new smile!!!!

Hi once again Jack,

Congrats on the successful surgery. It sounds like you're doing fine so far. Don't worry, you'll get used to them. If you're like most new denture wearers you'll soon be wondering why you didn't do it sooner. :)

The first few weeks are usually the most difficult because that's when most of the change happens in your mouth. If you have any swelling now it will likely go down in a day or two. After that the gums and jaw bone begins to shrink. Most of that shrinkage happens in the first month which means that the dentures won't fit properly for very long. That will make it even more difficult to learn how to talk and eat with the dentures.

For the next couple of days don't worry too much about talking or eating. Rinse with salt water often and keep the dentures in 24/7 except for cleaning or if they are too painful to wear. Do all you can to help your gums heal properly because it's the only chance you get.

Expect a few sore spots in the next week or so. Hopefully you'll be spared bone or tooth fragments. Expect to make a few trips to your dentist to have these little problems sorted out. In the meantime, if you have any questions just ask. As you can read there are lots of us here who have "been there, done that" which is more than your dentist can claim :D

Good luck Jack!

Yos

Right now, my biggest challenges are:

Talking - my tongue simply isn't used to the top denture at all. Also, my tongue seems to want to roll back to the back of my mouth, and I get this occasional gag reflex.
Eating - I can only eat soft pasta.


I do like my new smile, though :D I haven't "smiled" in years and I don't even remember how to "smile" naturally anymore. I guess I just need practice! :)

I'm going to see my dentist tomorrow. She requested to "personally" see me tomorrow because she wanted to be the 1st to take out my dentures and clean them, and also show me how to do that as well. I count myself very lucky to have a caring professional like her!

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Hi Jack,
I am exactly 3 weeks into my new smile and yes, there is a bit of an adjustment period. Just when you think your getting used to eating and talking, the swelling will go down and the denture will loosen up causing you to have to relearn these things again! At first, my denture fit so tight I had a hard time taking it out to clean, but after a week, the swelling went down and the stitches came out, and I had to use adhesive. Just had my first soft relign, and it's made a huge difference in the fit. I can eat most anything at this point, but am still careful about biting things with my front teeth. Don't worry - have patience - it does get better...and in a relatively short amount of time! Like you, I have to remind myself that it's ok to smile without my lips closed or my hand over my mouth....and that in itself makes it worth it!!!
There is life after dentures!!! Good luck. :cool:
~Valerie~

An update - and I'm somewhat concerned.

It has been 4 full days since I got my full upper and my lower partial. I have tried to eat food, but it just seems so unnatural to eat with these replacement teeth.

How long should I expect until I can try to eat normal foods again? I love pasta and all, but it may get old after a while. I'm not expectign to be able to start eating subs with my front teeth or anything. I just want to be able to chew small bits of like meat or something on the sides. I'm really trying not to get frustrated. though.

Is it also natural for them to feel a bit loose after just a few days?

Tonight will be the first night that I can take the new dentures out at night. My dentist on Thursday told me to keep them in at night a few extra nights to protect the gums, however I am now getting a bit of irritation on my upper front gums b/c I have had them in all the time save for a few minutes every day.

Hi Jack,

What you describe is normal, as a matter of fact, better than most new denture wearers if those are your only concerns so far. It sounds like the swelling in your gums is going down. That's why the dentures are starting to feel loose. They're going to become a lot more loose as your gums and jaw bone start to resorb (shrink). Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it except use adhesive once your gums have healed enough. It's also normal to get sores. Your gums are still tender and they're not used to the dentures. The dentures will likely have some areas that will rub against your gums and irritate them. If you get sore spots see your dentist so the offending part of the denture can be adjusted.

Between tender gums, the dentures being loose and having little experience wearing the dentures eating is going to be difficult for the next week or so. Start with small pieces of soft food and chew even amounts on each side of your mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping. Eating will become easier once you learn how the denture behaves when eating different kinds of foods. Chewing will also become easier as your gums heal, toughen up and can take more pressure from the denture. For most new denture wearers the defining moment for when they finally feel like they really fit and can actually eat with them is after the first soft reline. Some dentists do them sooner, some later. The average seems to be about 3 weeks. Talk to your dentist if you want to know when you can expect a soft reline.

At this point in time you need to be patient and not rush. You're going through both a healing and learning process. It takes time. Hang in there Jack. It gets easier with almost every day that goes by.

Yos

Hi Jack,

What you describe is normal, as a matter of fact, better than most new denture wearers if those are your only concerns so far. It sounds like the swelling in your gums is going down. That's why the dentures are starting to feel loose. They're going to become a lot more loose as your gums and jaw bone start to resorb (shrink). Unfortunately, there's not much you can do about it except use adhesive once your gums have healed enough. It's also normal to get sores. Your gums are still tender and they're not used to the dentures. The dentures will likely have some areas that will rub against your gums and irritate them. If you get sore spots see your dentist so the offending part of the denture can be adjusted.

Between tender gums, the dentures being loose and having little experience wearing the dentures eating is going to be difficult for the next week or so. Start with small pieces of soft food and chew even amounts on each side of your mouth to prevent the dentures from tipping. Eating will become easier once you learn how the denture behaves when eating different kinds of foods. Chewing will also become easier as your gums heal, toughen up and can take more pressure from the denture. For most new denture wearers the defining moment for when they finally feel like they really fit and can actually eat with them is after the first soft reline. Some dentists do them sooner, some later. The average seems to be about 3 weeks. Talk to your dentist if you want to know when you can expect a soft reline.

At this point in time you need to be patient and not rush. You're going through both a healing and learning process. It takes time. Hang in there Jack. It gets easier with almost every day that goes by.

Yos

When you mention a "reline", what is done specifically?

I'm really trying not to rush too much - I'm just trying to get a timeline in my head so I know what to expect and when.

I think a big part of the 'irritation' is that I have had to wear these pretty much non stop except for a few minutes each day to take them out and clean them. Tonight will be the first night I'm allowed to leave them out at night - hopefully my gums will feel better tomorrow.

I'm going to see my oral surgeon on Tuesday for a follow up by the way. And tomorrow, I'm kind of nervous. It will be my first day back to work after my surgery. I'm kinda wondering what kind of reaction I will get from people when they notice I am actually smiling and such. I'm still having a bit of trouble talking, but it's getting better day by day.

Hey Jack ..Congrats on your new smile...Ive been following everyones progress & expierences in preparation for my own journey down this path...my original appt on the 2nd was cancelled due to the dentist sickness & was rescheduled till 4/30 due to bad timing of the dentist office's annual 2 week vacation..lol (my luck!)....From what Ive read of your posts and the posts of others you seem to be exactly where you should be at this point....Good Luck at work tomorrow and please let us know how it went and what it was like for you...

Hi again Jack,

A soft reline is basically a plastic like goop with the consistancy of a thick glue which is put on the inside of the denture and then pressed into your mouth. It's liquid enough to fill all the spaces between your gums and the denture and stiff enough so the dentist can set the bite without the denture shifting. The "goop" cures and hardens quickly. You should be able to eat again within a couple of hours. The only down side to a soft reline is the terrible taste that sticks around for about 24 hours. But it's worth it. You'll be amazed how well the denture fits once it's done. I had my first soft reline done after 20 days.

Your dentures should fit well and comfortably enough to wear 24/7 without developing sores or causing irritation. Taking them out should always be an option and not a necessity. Sores and irritation will happen at the stage you're at now so take the dentures out to give your gums and mouth a rest when needed. Just remember that it helps your dentist to see a sore the denture causes in order to adjust the denture. Make sure you wear the dentures for a few hours before going for an adjustment.

On average, if there are no complications, it seems to take about 3 to 4 weeks to reach the point where the dentures fit well and you can eat comfortably and confidently. Sometimes it's sooner, sometimes it's later. Even simple things like bone or tooth fragments can affect a persons progress. There are a lot of dependencies.

I hope your first day back at work went well. I hope the oral surgeon finds that you're healing as expected too. Good luck!

Yos

Well today wasn't as good as I thought.

It's still difficult for me to speak. It's going to take some time (I guess) for me to get used to speaking with a full upper denture. I did have to go back to the dentist office to have some adjustments done. The denture was really bothering my gag reflex, and plus I was getting a sore spot on the front of my gums.

My lower partial isn't really bothering me, which surprises me.

My upper denture is kinda rocking back and forth right now. The dentist told me that she can't really adjust for that right now; once my gums recede, my denture will actually fit better. I hope she's right. I am just trying to be patient right now. The denture STILL feels quite unnatural to me.

FWIW, a few people did notice I had some work done, and gave me some compliments about my new smile. I wish I felt wonderful though. Although I have a nice smile, I have a seemingly long road ahead of me getting used to having this thing in my mouth. I'm frustrated that I can't eat anything that I really like right now - I'm starting to not like pasta very much.

Jack:

Hang in there. I know how fustrated you must feel right now. I felt the same way. All I wanted was to be able to eat what I wanted again. Even with my decayed, broken teeth, I could still eat pretty much what I wanted. Then all of a sudden it seemed I couldn't eat anything but mushy, soft food. I hated it. I'm almost 4 months post extraction. I can pretty much eat what I want. Sometimes I may have to let it soften a little in my mouth before I chew but I'm not having too many problems. I even ate corn on the cob right off the cob. I couldn't do that with my old teeth. It will get better just keep plugging along. Look back to where you were right after your extractions, you can eat stuff now that you couldn't eat then, right? Just take it one day at a time and celebrate anything new that you are able to eat. It keeps your spirits up. You've already hit rock bottom so every day now is one step closer to the top of the hole.

I am very lucky that I have a girlfriend who totally understands what I'm going through, and she is trying to keep me positive through all of this.

The hard part is that I'm still eating nothing but soft pasta and it's been almost a week. I just have to keep patient, that's all. I'm just not a patient person sometimes.

I just have to be patient, and hang in there for a couple of weeks and let my upper gums heal so I can feel confident in chewing actual regular food again.

Jack,
Believe all of us....there really is life after dentures. Just be patient...it does get better. There will be 'hills and valleys' along your journey - that's to be expected - you are still in the adjustment period and may be a frequent flier in the dentists chair for the first month or so having adjustments, etc. I am a month into my new smile and each day it does get better - you start out thinking about having these things in your mouth 24/7.....but as time goes on, you won't think about it so much - sometimes you will even forget that they're there.....and eventually you won't think about it at all.....
I promise you that there are sub sandwiches in your future, even though you can't imagine biting anything with your front teeth right now!!!
We all know from experience that the first weeks are hard - but as you will see from reading these boards, it truly does get better, and in a relatively short time. Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress....
In the meantime, keep smiling and showing off that beautiful new smile!!! :D
~Valerie~

I'm trying to keep my spirits up, and reading that others have gone through what I have gone through, and they are able to eat normal things again, is good to read. I guess I'm a skeptic at heart, though.

A few more people at work have commented on my "smile", although I'm not smiling. I guess my new teeth are pretty apparent to anyone who sees me. I just don't like to talk about it, because I still can't speak totally clearly yet and I find it somewhat embarassing.

Considering that I still can't really chew with the replacement teeth yet, and I'm growing tired quickly of pasta, I'm considering just going on a liquid diet for a while. Maybe something like SlimFast or something like that. Has anyone else comtemplated this option before? I feel that I'm not getting my normal nourishment because I'm not nearly eating as much as I used to, and considering I have a high metabolism (i.e. I burn blood sugar quicker than most), I find myself very tired and unenergetic.

Hey Jack, I had the same problems myself. As far as the eating. I felt real weak for the first week or so. I think its normal. Not getting enough nutrition and then the body trying to heal as well. It does get better. Hang in there your doing great. Dont worry about it being apparent, believe me when people see they are impressed that you have bettered yourself. Heck I bet some are wondering where you have the strength and willpower to go thru what you did. I supplemented my diet with vitiamins and meal replacement drinks but still tried to eat some soft foods. Try things that dont require chewing at all. Mashed potates and gravy is good just kinda slides down. Also one of my favs was chicken and dumplings. The dumplings kind of melt in the mouth. If the chicken is shredded enough you can just work it around to get the taste and swallow. I couldnt put any pressure on mine for almost the first two weeks. So I just tried stuff that I knew would just kinda dissolve and I could swallow. Your energy will return just remember what all your body is going thru give it a chance to catch up and you soon will be up and at em again. If you are going to work during this stage you are really draining your body on such little food. Take the time at the end of the day to just plain ole REST!!! All those little things you think you just have to do will still be there tomorrow. Hope you feel better soon. Sincerely Dena

Jack,
Ensure is a good meal replacement if you really feel that you want to do that...but you will also need to add more fuel to your body than just the Ensure -and eating, even soft foods will help you get used to them faster-
I lived on mashed potatoes and gravy - it happens to be one of my favorite foods, so that helped. Also found that fish and ravioli was a good choice the first few weeks. If you can stomach it, that Chef Boyardee Ravioli is easy on the teeth!!!
I know of people that have lost upwards of 25 lbs. after getting their dentures - I don't think it's that unusual....some of us are grateful for the weight loss, while others are not!
I was sure people were staring at me because my teeth were so bad before the dentures....I was a pro at smiling with my lips closed and/or my hand over my mouth. Then after I got them, I thought people were staring because they knew I had 'fake' teeth.....but you will get past that too once they start to feel more natural to you. I actually had to relearn how to smile again....constantly reminding myself that it was ok to show my teeth...I'm still learning, even a month later.
Your speech will get better day by day. Continue to practice....read outloud to yourself or sing in the car on the way to work....and DON'T get discouraged - it honestly does get better.....you're only a little over a week into your denture - be patient, practice eating and talking and you'll see that with every day that passes it will continue to get better - I promise!!!
~Valerie~

Tonight, I decided to keep my new teeth in, rather than just take them out as soon as I got home. Trying to make an effort to get used to the new teeth, rather than get frustrated and yank them out as soon as I get home.

Finding I'm struggling with speaking sentences longer than 6 words. I think my tongue is getting frustrated as I try to pronounce words, and as I go on, it just goes nuts inside my mouth and I have to stop for a moment, take a breath, and go on. I was joking with someone online that I almost sound like a 4 year old with the way I speak :p

FWIW 2 weeks agi I weighed about 180 lbs, which is normal for my height. Tonight, I'm at 172 lbs, so I have lost a bit of weight. Trying to compensate for that as much as possible. Next couple of days I have some meal replacement drinks, and I made my very favorite dish, pasta with spaghetti sauce with parmesan cheese. Was able to eat a bit of that tonight, and will have that over the next few days in tandem with the meal drinks. I need to find a way to keep my energy level up - I have been very tired during the end of the day today and yesterday - probably because I'm not eating as much and I'm still recovering from the surgery.

Will keep everyone posted tomorrow.

Hi Jack, I'm not sure there is anything wrong with wanting to take your denture off when you get home. I had my uppers extracted 1 st week of february and have been wearing an immediate upper since then. It fits wery well, I am now used to it and actually sometime I forget I wear it (attempted to bite my BBQ rib on Eater day and it did not work!!), but sometimes at night, I cant' wait to take it off, kind of like wanting to take your shoes off and relax your feet!. How long have you had your denture?. Usually after one week your speech should be back to normal unless the fixture is a little to bulky. It sounds to me as if you tongue does not have anough room to move around. Was this an immediate denture with impression taken before extraction? That could be the problem with speech. What also helped me the first few days when every time I put my denture in, I gagged like crazy, was to learn how to relax and concentrate on keeping the denture in, not gag, and learn to function with it. The relaxing and concentrating helped me because like you, I have very little patience and wanted it to work for me right away. After all it is a lot of acrylic for your mouth to get used to. I'm sure in a few weeks you will be just like the rest of us, Happy with your new look, more secure and it will be your turn to help others on this journey. Marti

Jack,
Ensure is a good meal replacement if you really feel that you want to do that...but you will also need to add more fuel to your body than just the Ensure -and eating, even soft foods will help you get used to them faster-
I lived on mashed potatoes and gravy - it happens to be one of my favorite foods, so that helped. Also found that fish and ravioli was a good choice the first few weeks. If you can stomach it, that Chef Boyardee Ravioli is easy on the teeth!!!
I know of people that have lost upwards of 25 lbs. after getting their dentures - I don't think it's that unusual....some of us are grateful for the weight loss, while others are not!
I was sure people were staring at me because my teeth were so bad before the dentures....I was a pro at smiling with my lips closed and/or my hand over my mouth. Then after I got them, I thought people were staring because they knew I had 'fake' teeth.....but you will get past that too once they start to feel more natural to you. I actually had to relearn how to smile again....constantly reminding myself that it was ok to show my teeth...I'm still learning, even a month later.
Your speech will get better day by day. Continue to practice....read outloud to yourself or sing in the car on the way to work....and DON'T get discouraged - it honestly does get better.....you're only a little over a week into your denture - be patient, practice eating and talking and you'll see that with every day that passes it will continue to get better - I promise!!!
~Valerie~

Hi Valerie, :wave: I had to laugh when you said you thought people were staring at you because you had "fake" teeth. I thought I was the ONLY person who felt that way. When I returned to work after getting my new uppers, my co-workers kept complimenting me. They asked if I had lost weight or what. Maybe I was just smiling more, but I was very self-conscience thinking they were staring at my teeth. Now, I feel better about it and am not so paranoid. However, next week I will be having my lowers extracted and immediates put in. Hopefully I want go through this paranoia again. :)

Hi Virgo,
My dentist told me that the key in getting a good denture is that people can't put their finger on what's changed about you. They might say 'wow, you look great, did you color your hair? (or lose weight)"
I too am getting more comfortable that people aren't staring at my teeth and knowing their 'fake' - therefore, I am smiling much bigger and brighter these days.....and it's a wonderful feeling!
I sure hope that all goes well with your lowers.....I'm being evaluated next month to decide what to do about mine..... :confused:
~Valerie~

Just an update on me (the guy who got the dentures on 4/7)

Good news - It is getting a bit easier to talk. I have noticed a difference from last week. I'm still not talking like normal, but I would say I'm about 85 to 90 percent now. My tongue still feels at times like it is lost, but I'm happy with my progress so far (speaking wise).

And I'm getting more compliments at work about my nice new smile. People seem almost "shocked".

However, I still find it very odd to actually "eat" with my new dentures. I think my gums are maybe still too sensitive, and it just feels weird to eat with them, because they are not actually "attached" to me like normal teeth are. I'm assuming it is going to be a couple more weeks before I feel comfortable, or am I wrong?

I'm just getting a bit more frustrated again. I'm craving all my favorite foods, yet I can't really eat anything above soft foods like pasta and such. I'm trying to be patient, though.

Just hang in there Jack, you are getting there. I am almost four weeks post extractions. I am still learning how to manipulate different foods. But the strangness of the teeth has worn off somewhat just learning how to use them efficiently lol. Good Luck! Stay postive it wont be long and we will all be so accustomed to em wonder why we were so frustrated in the first place lol. Keep posting and we all will too. I think it helps us all get thru this. Having somewhere to vent and people that understand what all we are going thru. Congrats again on your smile and determination on learning how to eat all over again. Sincerely dena

See Jack, you're only 10 days into this new denture and already things are looking up, right???
Eating has been the hardest part for me too...I'm just over 4 weeks with my immediate upper...and while some days I think I'm used to them and can eat most things (within reason), there are other days where they feel loose and wobbly and I can't eat something that I was able to the day before. My dentist said it's to be expected while your gums and jaw are still changing - he will have to make 'adjustments' as necessary. don't hesitate to go back to the dentist if things don't feel 'right' - in most cases they can adjust it so it's better.
Glad to hear that your getting used to talking....and that people are complimenting that beautiful smile! Doesn't that alone make it all worth it???
Ok, maybe not yet.....but it will...... :D
Continued good healing and success.....you're doing great!!!
~Valerie~

Let me ask this of everyone -

Considering I am having some looseness with my upper, does adhesive really make a difference with eating?

I was told that I could use adhesive, but I could not put it where it would touch my gums, as that would impede and/or seriously delay the healing of my gums. I can only use it where the denture touches my upper palate. Would that be enough to stop the instability? Right now, the upper denture is rocking back and forth.

I'm really craving something else besides spaghetti/noodles/soft stuff like that.

Jack,
Adhesive absolutely makes a difference....
my dentist let me use it as soon as my stitches were out (7 days post extraction) - he put it along the gumline as well as the palate. But you will see from reading some of the other posts, that while some dentists allow adhesive while you still have stitches, others wait until the stitches are removed, and still others want you to wait until theres more healing, which seems to be your case. I'm assuming your stitches are out, right???
Anyway, I can tell you that adhesive on the palate will help in keeping the denture from feeling like it's going to fall out....but it probably won't help much in trying to eat - you will need the adhesive along the gumline for that.
Are you able to manage soft foods like fish or a hamburger or hot dog cut up into very small pieces??? Those were the foods that I started with (once I got past the mashed potatoes/pasta stage) .....did the dentist tell you how long it would be before he would allow adhesive along the gums??? It does make a big difference in that loose and wobbly feeling.
~Valerie~

My stitches have dissolved, yes. However, I get the feeling that even if I use adhesive on the palate, it won't solve the "rocking" problem. I will see my dentist tomorrow and try to find some solution to this problem.

Jack,
You're right, putting adhesive on just the palate will not solve the rocking problem...you will need to put it along the gumline for that....hopefully the dentist will give you a solution. Good luck.
~Valerie~

Hey Jack, please post after your dentist visit. I am having the same exact problem. Felt like my denture was falling out the other day. I tried the adhesive, only putting it on the palate per dentist instruction. It kept it in place enough for me to eat. Still felt a shifting of it but it never came out thank goodness. Feels like its tugging though just applying to palate part. The denture even tried to start rubbing a sore spot on the front gum area. Going to try to go without the adhesive for most of the day and just use it when I need to eat. Would really like to hear what your dentist has to say. I dont want to bother my dentist with it, dont have another appt til may 24. Good Luck sounds like we are both gonna need it lol. take care. :D

Saw the wonderful dentist again today - she said that she still could not really do anything about the upper denture rocking - she wants to wait a few months before they do the first reline, however if the rocking got really bad and it became a problem keeping the upper denture in, they would do a reline in a few weeks possibly.

I'm going to try using adhesive tomorrow to see if it will stabilize the upper denture. Wish me luck.

Hey Jack, If your wonderful dentist wants to wait for a few months before she does a soft reline on your upper, she needs to go into a different profession! I've never heard this before. Usually your would get a soft reline in a few wks, maybe 3 wks after extraction when the swelling is down, so that you can be comfortable. The more your denture moves around the more sore spots you will get. She should have to wear one for a while, maybe she would feel differently. Most respectable dentists will go out of their way to make their patient comfortable with their new dentures! and a good dentist would prefer you did not use adhesive especially on top since usually if you have to use adhesive they did a lousy job taking impression or they are not doind a great reline. It only takes about twenty minutes for her to do a soft reline while you are waitting. why should you be uncomfortable for months? and does the cost of your immediate include multiple relines?. In any case, I would definitely communicate to her that I'm not putting up with a rocking denture for months. I'm sorry if I seem to go off but it bothers me when dentist don't seem to do their best for their patients, especially the ones who are having to learn to function with new dentures. Be firm, and good luck to you. Marti

Hey Jack, If your wonderful dentist wants to wait for a few months before she does a soft reline on your upper, she needs to go into a different profession! I've never heard this before. Usually your would get a soft reline in a few wks, maybe 3 wks after extraction when the swelling is down, so that you can be comfortable. The more your denture moves around the more sore spots you will get. She should have to wear one for a while, maybe she would feel differently. Most respectable dentists will go out of their way to make their patient comfortable with their new dentures!. It only takes about twenty minutes for her to do a reline while you are waitting. why should you be uncomfortable for months? and does the cost of you immediate include multiple relines?. In any case, I would ldefinitely communicate to her that I'm not putting up with a rocking denture for months. Be firm, and good luck to you. Marti

martid -

Trust me, I'm in total agreement with you. My upper denture, after a week and a half, is already pretty loose. I have a social event to go to in 5 weeks, and I'm in no mood to put up with loose dentures on that occasion. Right now, it's loose enough to where the upper denture is NOT holding quite as well.

My game plan is that in the next 2 weeks, if it really gets out of hand (i.e. loose dentures get even looser), I'm calling up the dentist and telling them I want a reline done. I'm worried that they are going to get loose enough to where they will slip noticeably when I'm talking, in a few weeks.

I do happen to think that my dentist really knows what she is talking about. I think they would ideally like to wait a couple of months to do the first reline, but she DID tell me that they would do it sooner (a few weeks) if things really got bad with the slippage.

I would rather not use adhesive at all. I'm going to start using it tomorrow morning, and I'm very apprehensive about it. I may wait until Wednesday then. Let me ask a question for those who have used adhesive before. Once it is applied, does it really, really last all day? Most of the day? Is it a real pain in the butt to remove the denture at night then? Just curious.

Hey Jack, I have used the adhesive three times so far. I have not had a problem with it coming loose. Has lasted the whole day each time. Even after morning coffee etc. At night my dentist told me to hold warm (as warm as you can stand) in your mouth for about thirty seconds it lets the adhesive loosen up some. Then just pop em right out. It seems like it will tug when you first try to pop em out but its ok just tug a little and then they come right out. The gunk on the denture is a little gooey but I just scraped it away with my fingernails and then brushed them real good. The palate is a little icky too afterwards i used my tooth brush to brush my palate so that none was let up there lol. Let me know how it goes for you. I did have a soft reline at three weeks but now its changed again and getting loose again at four weeks. From what i have read it changes constantly during the healing process so i am ok with that. At least i know that I am healing. I dont have a problem talking etc but eating i have to have the adhesive cant chew without it. Hopefully when i go back in may he will do another reline. I am going to have a permanent set made in sept after complete healing is done. Keep smiling Jack we will all be healed soon. Hang in there. Good luck on your adhesive. :D Dena

Hey Jack, there are multiple posts below on adhesive. I have never used it (yet!), but everyone seems to like the powder kind for the upper. If I ever have to, that's what I will use, it sounds as if the other stuff is relly messy. Things will work out. Just a few more wks. Good luck, Martid

Jack,
A week after I got my immediate, I had my stitches out and the denture was quite loose already. The dentist himself applied adhesive and told me to come back in 2 more weeks, when more healing was completed and he would do a soft relign. During those 2 weeks I had to use adhesive daily otherwise I couldn't eat. I absolutely find the powder to be the best....the others are very messy and gooey. The dentures are not hard to get out at night - you can loosen them up with warm water in your mouth and then rock them back and forth gently and they will come right out. I find the powder holds really well for about 8 hours - after that, you can feel the difference, so if I haven't eaten dinner or am going out, I will reapply beforehand.
The denture had loosened up so much by the time I went back for my soft relign (at 3 weeks post extraction) that I had a sore spot on my palate. He did the relign and they fit like a glove.......I was thrilled......but it didn't last...
less than a week later I was back to using adhesive. He told me that this was quite normal while your mouth is still healing and changing. He told me to come back in about 4 weeks, and hopefully they'll do a hard relign, which he said will make them feel tighter than a soft relign?!?! At that point I will be about 8 weeks post extraction, and I think the healing still continues, but slows down considerably.
I have never heard of a dentist that doesn't do a soft relign within the first 3 weeks post extraction.....although from reading these boards, I see that there's alot of variation in dentist's and what their timelines are for certain things, like when they will do a permanent denture. My dentist says 9 - 12 months for a permanent, but I've read about people that have them in much less time. Dentists also vary in how they feel about when you can use adhesive. I've been using it, with my dentists approval, since the end of the first week - even when my denture is tight, it gives me a little bit more confidence when I use it. You shouldn't be apprehensive about it at all - it's not a big deal.....but trust me, use the powder and not the gel/paste stuff, it will make all the difference in how you feel about using adhesive. The first time I used the gel/paste, I couldn't stand it - once I took them out at night, I couldn't believe the GOO that was left in the palate and in the denture - just yucky/nasty/gross. I had to use mouthwash and warm water to get the stuff off the top of my mouth and follow up with my toothbrush, and then clean the denture which wasn't an easy task either. After that experience I was on a mission to find something 'better' and found the powder. Go back and read the thread that was started here on adhesives - I think that most people do prefer the powder. Do I sound like a walking advertisment for Fixodent powder or what??? :D
Absolutely, if you are uncomfortable, and start finding yourself getting sore spots from the denture being lose, please go right to the dentist - there is no reason that you should have to be uncomfortable.
It is definately a learning process for all of us - but we'll all come through it just fine with big beautiful grins on our faces. Have a great day!
~Valerie~

Hey Val, I just declared war on my dentist this morning. I went in for a check up this morningTalk to and told her I probably should get a new soft reline today, since my conventional denture won't be ready until may 5th and I'm having problems with good suction with this immediate, she informed me that the reline she did 3 wks after my extraction, (the reline I thought was a soft one) 7 wks ago, was a "hard reline" and when I asked her why, she said well since I originally was going to wear the immediate for 9 months that way I would not have to pay for a soft reline every month. I mean, I was upset, why not ask MY opinion and see if I prefer a soft reline every month so that the denture fits correctly?? I thought a hard reline was done months after extractions, when you gums and bones become somewhat stable. Am I wrong or what. Well I have to run to the periodontist now, one of the little screw on my implants just came off. Thank God it's not the implant!!. Talk to you guys later. Marti

Good news!

Went ahead yesterday and got the powder adhesive; my upper denture was really really getting loose yesterday.

Tried it today for the 1st time, and WOW it made a big difference. It really held the upper denture in place very well. It's after 10pm now, and I just took out the upper denture. The adhesive was STILL holding quite well, 15 hours after applying it this morning!! :D

I'm still facing the challenge of my lower partial. Have 2 sore spots on my inside right gums. Had not been able to even WEAR the lower partial at all the past couple of days. Consulted my wonderful dentist office yesterday about it - they said that this was normal and that I would develop sore spots from time to time. They said to keep trying to put the denture in, even just for an hour, or else I could have my lower teeth shifting a bit. Tonight, was able to put the denture back in for an hour. I was uncomfortable, but I survived the hour and then took the lower back out. Still rinsing 3 times a day with warm salt water. Hopefully, tomorrow morning the sore spots will heal a bit so I can wear the lower partial.

I'm hoping that in the next few days, once I can start wearing the lower partial again, I can start experimenting with eating different foods.

Thanks to everyone again for your feedback as I make my progress. Your advice and encouragement have been wonderful :)

Good Jack, I know things will improve for you, and you are lucky that your bottom is just a partial, I hear the full bottom is a little harder to handle. Did you read my post the one before or after Valwp about declaring war on my dentist? I'm still upset with her, I think I will consult with another prosthodontist. I hate someone making decision for me on my treatment. I am actually in contact with a prosthodontist in Mexico who graduated from a dental school in L.A. I've already checked it out. i had implants placed when I had my uppers extracted, and I am looking at 1/2 the cost of getting a fixed bridge to replace my upper denture by going to Mexico, just a few hours drive from here. Some of my friends think I'm crazy and don't trust Non US doctors, but most of this dentist's patients are from California and they get to enjoy the huge savings. So I think I will to.And I know many American couples who retired in Mexico, get more for your money over there. Well I'm rambling again. Keep on smiling Jack and keep us posted. Marti

Hey Jack, I had a couple of sore spots too. My dentist reccomended me to use Zilactin. Its sold at most stores. It was only 6 bucks at Wally World lol. Dry the sore the best you can, apply the med, hold the lip back, tongue or whatever is nearby away from it, let it dry it forms a kinda of haze and light coating over the sore. Dont put the plate right in after give the mouth a few mintues then reinsert it. It doesnt take away all the pain but it sure makes it bearable. It shields the sore from the friction of the plate. Its worth a try, i couldnt have made it that second week without it thats for sure. Good Luck! Glad to hear you are adjusting well now. And I even saw you are offering advice YEAAA Keep smiling!!! Sincerely Dena

Hi Jack, I have full upper and lowers, and the lowers are tough to keep in place and there are a few sore spots which make it really tough to wear. My dentist told me to try to find Benzodent(spelling). He said you can either put it on the sore spots or like I do, put in on the dentures before putting them in, it numbs it up good

Jack, I'm really glad to hear that you tried the adhesive and it made such a difference for you!!! You have come a long, long way in just a couple of weeks - good for you!!! I was also happy to see that you are now offering some of your own advice and encouraging words to others on this board - it shows some of the 'newbie' denture wearers that things do get better with little patience and time. I'm 5 weeks into my denture, and although I still feel like I take 1 step forward and 2 steps back sometimes, I know that those backward steps are now fewer and farther between.
Today I bought the Zilactin that Dena suggested...I haven't had too many problems with sore spots, but I'm going away for the weekend, and thought I'd like to have it with me....just in case. I also looked for the product that Dolphin Fan suggested, but wasn't able to locate that at the grocery store.
Anyway, I am happy that you're progressing and that things are getting better for you. Keep smiling Jack. :D
~Valerie~

The Benzodent, I had to ask the pharmacy for it and they had it behind the counter and I think it was about 5 bucks. I bought it at Walgreens

called my dentist today, to ask about the powder adhesive. He said it was my choice on what type I wanted to use. I got some today. Plan on using it tomorrow. Well post how it goes lol. Take care everyone. Have a great evening. Dena

have a question about the powder adhesive. Those that use it do you use it all over the palate and gum line or where? just trying to get the best fit lol Dena

Dena,
I've experimented with it and find that sprinkling it all over the palate and then adding a fairly thick line of it along the gumline works best. Make sure the denture is wet before applying, then shake off excess before you put it in your mouth.
I tried the paste adhesive again yesterday just because my denture is really loose these days, and thought it might give me more hold than the powder....
I had a really hard time getting them out and then all the goop left behind was nearly impossible to clean up from the roof of my mouth as well as from the denture - YUCK. I'm going away for the weekend (Disneyworld) and will take a little travel tube to carry with me during the day while at the parks, just because the powder isn't portable - but I will only use it as a last resort!!!
I don't like this stuff....at all....I think you'll find that you will like the powder.
Good luck!!!
~Valerie~

Well, I apparently am having a setback. I first thought that the sore on the inside of my right lower gum was the reason why I can't put the lower partial back in. However, I was able to put the lower partial over where the sore is, but it still won't sit down all the way like it used to.

I can feel back on my right lower gum with my finger, and I can feel a noticeable bump back there, maybe like it is a bone spur or something. I'm going to call my oral surgeon tomorrow and see if I can go in there tomorrow to have it removed.

*grumbles*

I can't keep missing work like this, 2 hours here and 2 hours there to go back to the dentist and/or oral surgeon like this. :(

OH Jack, sorry to hear you are having problems. I am sure its hard for you with a job and all. I am a stay at home mom so I am not in the same boat. But I am sure its hard for you. I hope you get some relief today. keep us posted. GOOD LUCK. will be thinking about you today. Take care dena

Hey val, got a ? for you. Does the powder bother the extraction sites? I still have have open sockets. they are healing but they are still open somewhat. Was just worried that the powder would get in there and irritate them. Please respond to this. Plan on meeting my hubby for lunch wondering which i should use before i leave the house. Thanks in advance. Dena

I had mine pulled years ago,went 11 months before having teeth made.That's the way I wanted it done.......

Dena, the powder becomes a paste once it is exposed to moisture so it should not irritate your gums. I think you will really like it, less messy to clean off the denture and your gums. I find the hold to be very good.

Good luck at lunch!

Sandy

thanks for the reply sandy. Will post later on how it goes. Wish me luck. sincerely dena

Dena,
I don't think you'll find it irritating at all.....the only thing I notice about it is that it has a somewhat mentholated feel to it, but nothing bothersome. Hope it goes well. I'm going to be away for the weekend, will check in with you on Monday.
~Valerie~

Jack, these little set-backs are normal and to be expected. As I said, sometimes it feels like 1 step forward and 2 steps back....but it does get better as time goes on and the setbacks are fewer and fewer between.
Bone shards are somewhat common after extractions...and painful from what I hear - I think most times they work themselves out of the gums, but hopefully the oral surgeon can speed up the process by removing it so that you're more comfortable. I understand what you mean about missing work for these appts. to the dentist - hopefully your employer is understanding....
and these set backs that are causing you to miss work will be less frequent in the days and weeks to come. Good luck today.
~Valerie~

I've been following your thread with great interest. It has been so helpful and I want to thank you for being so honest about your dentures. I wondered if you had tried any of these methods for eating: I bought an electric mini-chopper from K-mart (under $15) and yesterday I made hamburger. I cooked the hamburger and a can of stewed tomatoes and then chopped them in chopper. It helps if it is a moist food. It was delicious and went down easily. Also, canned peas and carrots chop easily as well as canned baked beans. This morning I did blueberries and put on top of oatmeal. Again very tasty. It is important to have nutritious meals and a variety. Baby food is great and so easy when you are in a hurry. You just heat for a few seconds in a microwave and they slide easily down the throat. Best wishes to you and I hope you will feel much better soon. Keep writing as it helps us all.

I used the powder before I left to meet my hubby. I didnt use a whole lot afraid it might hurt when i took it back out. It was nice and tight. Ate pizza for lunch chewed it just fine. I still have to cut my food up though lol. I can deal with that. Well it seemed to be getting loose this afternoon so I decided to take it out and check how it did, it seemed a little loose. I just popped it right out no problems at all. NO goop on the denture, NO goop on the palate. Looked clean. I brushed everything and coated the whole inside of the denture good before putting it back. WOW best fit I have had since I got them. I am amazed!!!!! I just drank some iced tea to see if the liquid would make it looser. NOPE!!! still just as tight. I am sold lol. I wont be using that goopy stuff anymore lol. I was having this problem with the paste kind, it would loosen up, not to the point of falling out but the point of whenever i would bite down the would squish back to the roof of my mouth. Was a real pain. I was constantly squishing couldnt take my mind off of it was afraid it mite fall any minute. But Now I am in HEAVEN!!!!! OH thank everyone so much for telling me about the powder. Best stuff ever made as far as I am concerned. :bouncing: :D :jester:

Good news.

I don't think it was a bone shard/spur after all that was preventing my lower partial from settling in position.

I was able to put it in this morning, however I was still having some pain from the sore on the inside of the gum. FINALLY found some Benzodent tonight (WalMart had it) and OMG it works very well. Put it inside the denture, set it into place. At first, I didn't think it was working, but after about 5 minutes, I noticed that there was no pain at all :D the stuff was working!!! The lower partial is still in, I can talk normally with it in and no pain.

Thank you thank you thank you all for yet another wonderful suggestion!!!

And more kudos for the denture powder. It really holds very well, and I feel a lot more confident knowing that my upper isn't slipping around as much. I was kinda scared that I would be talking and it would slip noticeably to anyone noticing.

I'm still going to push for a reline in a few weeks, regardless.

Anyone have suggestions for me, had oral surgery and new dentures as well, and I'm having a lot of stomach pain four days after. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I used the powder before I left to meet my hubby. I didnt use a whole lot afraid it might hurt when i took it back out. It was nice and tight. Ate pizza for lunch chewed it just fine. I still have to cut my food up though lol. I can deal with that. Well it seemed to be getting loose this afternoon so I decided to take it out and check how it did, it seemed a little loose. I just popped it right out no problems at all. NO goop on the denture, NO goop on the palate. Looked clean. I brushed everything and coated the whole inside of the denture good before putting it back. WOW best fit I have had since I got them. I am amazed!!!!! I just drank some iced tea to see if the liquid would make it looser. NOPE!!! still just as tight. I am sold lol. I wont be using that goopy stuff anymore lol. I was having this problem with the paste kind, it would loosen up, not to the point of falling out but the point of whenever i would bite down the would squish back to the roof of my mouth. Was a real pain. I was constantly squishing couldnt take my mind off of it was afraid it mite fall any minute. But Now I am in HEAVEN!!!!! OH thank everyone so much for telling me about the powder. Best stuff ever made as far as I am concerned. :bouncing: :D :jester:
I am a newbie to the forum. I just had my teeth removed and dentures put in December 21, 2007. How long do I have to wait until I can use powder on my lower teeth? They are so loose and caused a sore on my gum. My Mom has dentures and she said if I put some powder on them it would help. My only fear is that they are still "fresh" from being pulled. Will it hurt the healing process if I stick some powder on them?

I am a newbie to the forum. I just had my teeth removed and dentures put in December 21, 2007. How long do I have to wait until I can use powder on my lower teeth? They are so loose and caused a sore on my gum. My Mom has dentures and she said if I put some powder on them it would help. My only fear is that they are still "fresh" from being pulled. Will it hurt the healing process if I stick some powder on them?

im getting to that stage having to have all my bottom teeth ,out im in so much pain ,with my real teeth at moment
but scared to death of telling dentist to take them out and i have a plate
as ive been told theyre more harder to get used to
i got a partiial denture on top ,which is hard to get on with but i am ok but dread having bottom denture as i know i will have trouble with them

also i would like soon as my teeth are to be pulled (when i get courage to say i want the bottom teeth out|)
i want my new denture in straight away and want somethign to keep them there

i am very self concious of wearing my top plate and will be even more so with bottom denture if it slips:(

not sure i can get powder stick here ,i know we used to be able ,but all ive seen is the sticky stuff and i cant stand it in my mouth tried it on my top denture

I am a newbie to the forum. I just had my teeth removed and dentures put in December 21, 2007. How long do I have to wait until I can use powder on my lower teeth? They are so loose and caused a sore on my gum. My Mom has dentures and she said if I put some powder on them it would help. My only fear is that they are still "fresh" from being pulled. Will it hurt the healing process if I stick some powder on them?