Following tooth extractions or dental implant surgery, an immediate denture can be inserted to temporarily replace your missing teeth and help protect the surgical site from swelling and bleeding during the healing process. Following your implant procedure or tooth extraction, it's important to listen and adhere to your doctor's recovery instructions for the type of anesthetic used for the first 24 hours. Do not remove the immediate denture from your mouth. If the denture is removed, swelling may occur that will make it difficult or impossible to replace it. Wear your denture overnight for the first two to three nights. After that, the denture can be removed every night and placed in a cup of water. After the first two to three days, you should clean your new denture daily with water and a mild liquid soap for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid excessive chewing, spitting, rinsing, and physical activity for the next seven to 10 days. You should drink plenty of cool fluids and eat soft foods that require minimal chewing. Also, don't smoke for at least a week as this can also cause bleeding and hinder healing. Ice packs can be used to help with swelling, and after 24 hours, you can gently rinse with warm salt water three times per day to reduce pain and swelling. As your mouth heals from the extraction of your teeth or implant placement, the fit of your denture will change as healing occurs. The dental ridges may change shape, and they generally shrink in size. Immediate dentures require multiple appointments for your doctor to adjust them during the healing process, which may take up to several months. A temporary soft liner may be placed to help compensate for changes that will take place in your mouth as the gums heal. As you adjust to immediate dentures, it's common to experience sore spots, increased saliva, imperfect bite speech difficulties, or trouble with swallowing. If you experience persistent pain, bleeding, or signs of infection such as a fever, redness, and swelling, it is important to contact your doctor's office for assistance. Although immediate dentures require multiple appointments for adjustments, they help protect your gum tissue and will make your transition to permanent dentures easier.