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Time to heal

After extractions, your mouth will need time to heal. Learn what to expect at each phase of your healing journey, 
what to prioritize and how to stay comfortable along the way.

Phase 1: 1 to 3 days

Phase 2: 3 to 14 days

Phase 3: 14 to 30 days

Phase 4: 3 to 6 months

1 - 3 days after extractions

Prepare for healing

Within the first 72 hours after extraction(s), your rest and recovery is our top priority. We recommend preparing the following ahead of time so you stay comfortable when you need R&R the most:

Meal preparation after receiving dental work.

Stay nourished

After your procedure, you may not feel like eating. Stay healthy with quick meals such as protein shakes, mashed potatoes, lukewarm soup or soft pasta. Avoid extreme hot or cold foods.

Home preparation after dental work.

Stock up on supplies

Some swelling, bruising or run-off from your mouth can be normal at this stage of healing. Prepare towels, face cloths and ice packs to help.

Sleep preparation after dental work.

Make your bed

It’s normal to experience excess saliva from your mouth as it heals. Prepare a reclining chair or pillows on your bed to remain upright when sleeping.  

Medication preparation after dental work.

Prep your meds

Prep medications you currently take, or that your dentist prescribed, so they’re ready to go. Keep a cup of water near your sleeping set up too.

Need-to-know: 1 - 3 days

Throughout the first few days, you may experience soreness, bleeding and swelling—this is normal. To avoid infection and help your mouth recover, skip straws, spitting and smoking. Make sure to keep your denture in—even when sleeping—in these first few days.

3 - 14 days after extractions

Healing your mouth

In the 2 weeks following your extractions, you’ll begin noticing loose or dissolving stitches, reduced swelling and minimal to no bleeding. To keep your recovery progressing smoothly, you can:

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Let’s talk

Get comfortable speaking with your denture by biting down on it and reading aloud.

Chewing icon

Ease into eating

To practice eating, put food on either side of your mouth and chew small bites of soft foods.

Sleeping with dentures

Get your ZZZs

After the first 3 to 5 days of healing, you’ll be ready to sleep without your denture in your mouth.

Brushing teeth icon

Keep it clean

Once you can take out your denture, you’ll be ready to clean it for good oral health. Gently cleanse it using dish soap and a soft denture brush.

Need-to-know: 2 weeks

During this time, your dentures may feel loose or too big, your tongue or mouth muscles may feel sore, or you may notice increased saliva—these symptoms are normal. As swelling goes down, your mouth will heal and adjust.

14 - 30 days after extractions

Transition to dentures

Between 2 to 4 weeks after your extraction(s), you’ll likely notice a few things as your healing progresses:

Food icon

Time to eat

After weeks of soft food, by the 2- to 3-week mark, moderately firm foods are back on the menu.

Toothbrush for gums icon

Love your gums

By the 1-month mark, your gums should be healed and ready for gentle brushing with a soft brush.

Oral health discomfort icon

Feelin’ alright

While discomfort is common as your denture becomes familiar, pain should be behind you after 1 month.

Need-to-know: 1 month

At this point, you’ll be ready to use denture adhesives if you feel your healing denture needs a more secure fit. Whether you have an upper or lower denture—or both—learn how to apply adhesives for a snug, comfortable fit.

How to apply adhesives
3 - 6 months after extractions

Transform your denture

After you’ve finished healing, you’ll be ready for the best part: relining your denture or creating a brand new one. This next step is based on the denture you select at the start of your journey, or you can upgrade for an even better fitting smile at any time.

Dentures at Aspen Dental.

Reline your denture

For Basic, Classic and Naturalytes® dentures, we’ll resurface your denture with a new acrylic base for a better-fitting, more comfortable smile.

Dentures at Aspen Dental.

Craft a new denture

For Comfilytes® dentures, we’ll craft a new, custom denture for your smile. Plus, you can keep your healing (or immediate) denture as a backup.

Compare dentures

See which denture is the best smile solution for you based on your dental needs, budget and more.

What to do if you’re experiencing pain

Discomfort is normal during your healing journey. After the first month, pain should be behind you. If it isn’t, we’re here for you. Contact your local office so we can resolve any issues to get you comfortable again.

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Keep learning

Living with dentures

When to get dentures

Plan for your visit

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