How to remove a denture stuck to swollen bottom jaw?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am three days postop from a full mouth extraction with immediate dentures. My upper dentures are wonderful. But my bottom jaw has swollen very badly and I cannot get my bottom denture off. It is stuck due to swelling. I am so afraid of infection. What can I do other than ice and heat to get swelling down so that I can clean my denture and suture? The bottom jaw has swollen and is preventing the bottom denture from released. I am currently on Percocet, Ibuprofen, and Amoxicillin.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Generally, after the insertion of an immediate denture, the patient feels numb and somewhat swollen from the local anesthetic and is not able to tell much about the comfort of the denture base and the fit of the denture teeth against the opposing jaw and teeth. Expect several appointments with the dentist during the healing period as the swelling goes down and the denture base settles. Your bite will change and need to be readjusted. The more teeth removed at the time the immediate denture is delivered, the longer it will take to heal and the more sore spots you will have. An immediate denture generally helps in the healing of the extraction socket uneventfully.

Generally, after extraction, some swelling does arise and because of that, you are not able to remove the denture. Just let me know if there is any pain in the attempt to remove the denture or if is it stuck as you are not able to remove it. If there is pain and if you feel redness and swelling in the gums area, there are chances the area is a little infected. You can use over-the-counter surface antiseptics like Choline Salicylate and Lidocaine topical or Metronidazole to apply locally and do warm saline gargles or rinses as frequently. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her, and with their consent take the medicines. You can do to get rid of the infection and keep the area clean. If after this also the infection is not coming down, I would recommend you to visit your dentist.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.