Have you recently had dental extractions? Do you have a denture or partial you are trying to keep in place? You may be wondering, “How long should I wait before using denture adhesive after my dental extractions?” It is recommended to wait at least fourteen days after dental extractions before using adhesive. Your dentist may recommend something different based on your specific case; it is always best to follow the postoperative instructions from your provider that have been tailored to you.

Why do I need to wait to use denture adhesive after dental extractions? It is important to wait for the initial closure process to take place in your extraction sites prior to using adhesive to prevent the adhesive from communicating with your open sites. There are a variety of potential issues adhesive may cause in open extraction sites beginning with healing delays or complications and pain when removing your dental prosthetic. What is initial closure? Initial closure is the first stages of tissue healing and regeneration, when the “holes” begin to close.

What do I do if I use adhesive near my new extraction sites? It is best to remove the adhesive as soon as possible. The best way to remove adhesive is to swish with warm water to loosen up the adhesive’s grip. Then, place one finger on each side of the denture and wiggle the denture in a downward direction. Be sure to thoroughly remove any left-over adhesive from your gums using a damp washcloth. Be gentle around your extraction sites, as they will be tender. Excessive force may cause your extraction sites to bleed. After your gums are clean, you will need to clean your denture to remove any left-over adhesive. You can do this using a damp wash cloth, wet Q-tip or extra soft toothbrush.