HI Erika,

Welcome to Neurotalk!

Having full mouth extractions and immediate dentures put in is quite a large undertaking. It is not an uncommon surgery but everyone's surgical and post op experience is a bit different because everyone's dental situation is a bit different. Some people have more teeth being removed than others, some people need some additional surgical procedures done due to their anatomy or dental circumstances. Some people are accustom to wearing partial dentures prior to the extractions while others are not. So there are many different things that can take place during and after the surgery that are unique to the individual. However, irrelevant of the personal circumstances, those who take good care of themselves pre and post op and are prepared ahead of time to recoup from the surgery usually have the least complications and heal faster.

Some helpful suggestions for pre and post op healing..... get a blender or food processor (a nutri bullet works great), a crock pot and something (like Brita) to filter your water (if you don't already drink filtered water)

Pre Op...
Foods to have on hand that are soft, nutritious and easy to eat.... eggs, apple sauce, potatoes for baking or mashing, fresh veggies to boil or bake, avocados, things like that.

Also prepare a nutritious menu of foods (ideally organic) and if possible prepare them ahead of time. Things that you can freeze and reheat are ideal. For example... home made soups, stews, and other meals prepared in a crock pot. These pre cooked meals can be stored in the freezer and easily popped in the oven or in a sauce pan on the stove. Avoid using spicy foods, any type of seed or anything that is difficult to chew.

A day or two before the surgery, buy fresh produce like apples, pears, oranges, non seeded berries, cucumbers, melon, etc to be able to make smoothies in the blender. Certain cooked veggies can be added to smoothies like beets, carrots, and others that can become soft from cooking.

Be prepared to be able to drink plenty of filtered water. The filtration like Brita or something other than water that comes in a plastic bottle is best as it minimizes your exposure to toxic chemicals in the water. The ideal measurement of water per person per day is to take your weight and divide it in half. Drink that many ounces of water throughout the day. For example, if a person weighs 100 pounds, they would need to drink 50 ounces of water every day. For proper detox and hydration water is meant to be drank throughout the day and not all at one time.

Be prepared to take it easy for several days. The first week or two is the most crucial and can be a bit difficult as you are not only recovering from surgery but you have a set of dentures that are going to take some getting use to. Talking, eating, sleeping will all be affected by the wearing of the new dentures until you adjust to them. Do not plan anything that causes you to exert yourself. No exercising, house cleaning, jogging..... until at least the 3rd or 4th week. If you like to read, get some books.... magazine or deck of cards ... rest... do hatha yoga and meditate (get a cd or search you tube for a video to help guide you)... do whatever it is that helps you feel calm and rested.

Buy two "moist" heat packs at the drug store. Ones that can be microwaved. These heat packs will be most beneficial at relieving inflammation and discomfort "after" the first 24 hours. Dry heat as in heating pads should be avoided as that type of heat can add to the inflammation rather relieve it. Moist heat encourages blood to flow and release congested areas whereas dry heat causes blood to pool. So moist heat is best.

Be prepared to sleep propped up on an extra pillow for the first few days. This will help with reduction of swelling and may help you sleep better.

Do you use homeopathic remedies... are you familiar with them?
Do you use nutritional supplements or probiotics.... are you familiar of which ones would be helpful?

Post op surgery....

Think positive. Stay focused on healing and on feeling well. Write down some affirmations to help remind yourself to feel good. Examples would be...
~~This too shall pass~~ .... ~~I can do this~~..... ~~I am so worth it and I am going to be fine ~~ ... ~~ I am relaxed and calm ~~ ... ~~ I have a great smile and I look so much younger!! )~~

Follow the post op instructions to the "T". Do not hesitate to call the dentist office for a denture adjustment appointment. Some people have to have their dentures adjusted frequently, that is not unusual. The dentures will fit differently during the first month compared to after that due to inflammation. Always ask questions even if you think they are silly. Never feel like you are being a pest. It is important that you have comfort and reassurance during this time

The more positive you feel going into this surgery and afterwards and the healthier you keep yourself now and afterwards, the better you will feel and heal. Remember... it's all about you right now. No one else, just you

We're here for you. If you want info on nutrition and helpful supplements, probiotics, homeopathy, just let us know.

Bryanna