Post-mortem (PM) care involves standardized procedures performed by healthcare staff immediately following a patient’s death to prepare the body for transfer to the morgue or funeral home. This care maintains the dignity of the deceased and prepares the body for family viewing, if desired. The handling of dentures is a common point of confusion, as protocols often differ based on the immediate plans for the deceased. The decision to remove or leave dentures in impacts both the deceased’s physical appearance and the subsequent handling of the body.
Maintaining Natural Facial Appearance
Healthcare providers often leave dentures in place initially to preserve the natural appearance of the face. After death, the muscles in the face and jaw relax, a condition known as primary flaccidity, which can lead to facial collapse. Without the support of dentures, the cheeks and lips can sink inward, causing a noticeable facial slump.
Maintaining the natural contour of the mouth and face is considered a matter of respect and dignity for the deceased. This practice is especially important when family or friends are expected to view the body shortly after the time of death. Presenting a familiar and peaceful appearance can help minimize the shock and distress experienced by loved ones during their final viewing. Placing a rolled towel under the chin is sometimes used temporarily to help keep the mouth closed and maintain the jaw position until rigor mortis begins to set in.
Standard Removal Protocols and Timing
The decision to remove dentures is typically determined by the timeframe of the body’s transfer and whether a viewing is planned. If the family intends to view the body at the bedside shortly after death is pronounced, staff will generally leave the dentures in. The goal is to use the dentures to hold the facial structure in a recognizable position before the jaw muscles relax completely.
If no viewing is planned, or if the body is being prepared for immediate transfer to a facility, the dentures are usually removed as part of the overall post-mortem care procedure. Once removed, the dentures should be carefully cleaned, placed in a labeled container, and secured to ensure they are not lost during transport. This container is then included with the deceased’s personal belongings that accompany the body. Mortuary personnel are then responsible for the final placement of the dentures before any viewing or embalming processes occur.
Procedural Exceptions and Documentation
In certain circumstances, immediate removal is mandatory, even if a family viewing is anticipated. If the deceased is slated for a forensic examination or an autopsy, medical examiner protocol requires that all non-affixed foreign objects, including dentures, must be removed to prevent interference. If the dentures are loose, broken, or ill-fitting, they may pose a risk of being displaced or lost during transport, making immediate removal and securing necessary.
Thorough documentation is an administrative requirement following post-mortem care. Staff must record whether the dentures were left in the mouth or removed, cleaned, and secured in a container. The documentation must also note the disposition of the dentures, such as if they were released directly to the family or transferred to the custody of the receiving funeral director. This ensures the personal property is accounted for and returned to the family or mortuary personnel.