After Extractions
- If you are receiving your dentures immediately after tooth extraction, leave your dentures in your mouth for 24 hours after your procedure. The denture will actually help to reduce bleeding and swelling and provide protection for extraction sites.
- After removing the dentures, rinse with warm salt water (½ tsp salt to ½ cup water) and place the denture in your mouth again. You will remove it at bedtime.
Chewing/Eating
- Learning to chew satisfactorily with your new dentures usually takes 6-8 weeks. If you have never had dentures before, it will take time for your muscles and brain to adapt to the new movements.
- You will experience increased flow of saliva the first few days.
- Food should be cut into smaller pieces. Softer foods will be easier to chew. Your denture teeth will not be like your natural teeth and will require adjustment to eat your favorite foods. Avoid hard foods like nuts, chewing on ice, or chewy foods like caramels as this could break or dislodge your denture. You want to try to eat food evenly on both sides.
- Place food between your teeth towards the corner of your mouth, rather than using the front teeth.
Speaking
Starting off, you will have to speak slower as you become adjusted to your dentures. Most patients master talking with their new dentures within a few weeks. Practice speaking in the mirror or while singing in the car or shower. Reading out loud is also a good way to practice enunciating your words.
Oral Hygiene
- Rinse dentures and your mouth after meals whenever possible.
- Dentures are like stars - they should come out at night. This will provide your gums rest. Your dentures should be removed for at least 6 hours daily which is why night time is the perfect time to remove them. You can place them in a case with a little bit of water during this time to avoid them drying out.
- Place dentures in a soaking type of cleanser for a minimum of 30 minutes. Do not use a chlorine solution or anything abrasive. There are several over the counter options. You may also clean your denture with soap and water. Brush with a soft bristle toothbrush or washcloth.
- You should brush your gums and tongue daily with a soft toothbrush.
- Although you may no longer have teeth, or less teeth if in a partial denture, it is still vital that you come to the dentist at least once a year. We will evaluate gum health and do oral cancer screenings. We will also evaluate at this time if your denture needs to be adjusted, relined, or possibly replaced.
Sore Spots
Getting a new pair of dentures is like getting a new pair of shoes. If any raw, open sores, or continuing pain in an area persists, please call our office for adjustments.
If you experience some tissue irritation, remove your dentures and allow your gums to rest before putting them back in. Not rinsing your dentures and mouth after eating can cause food to get lodged underneath it and cause sore spots.
Looseness
Overtime, your bone and gums will change or shrink causing your dentures to feel loose. This may require a liner to be placed or fabrication of new dentures. Please contact our office if your dentures become loose.
If you received dentures immediately after tooth extraction, your denture may not fit snugly and will continue to change as your gums heal. It takes 4-6 months for your gums to completely heal after extractions and depends on your body and how you take care of it. After healing, you will be asked to either return to our office for a permanent aligner or to scan for your new set of dentures depending on what was treatment planned. Relines or new sets of dentures are an additional charge.
Your bottom denture, if not supported by implants, will also be looser than your top. For the top denture, you have your palate that allows the denture to suction to. On the bottom, you have your tongue and muscles constantly fighting to push the lower denture out. Continue to wear your bottom denture, as not doing so will lead to bone loss and make it less stable. You may use over the counter denture adhesives. If you are interested in implants for your denture to lock into, please contact our office for more information so we can evaluate if you are a candidate for implants.
Broken Dentures
- Dogs love chewing on dentures! Keep out of reach from animals or children when you are not wearing them.
- Be careful when handling your dentures outside of your mouth. If they fall, they can break or snap in half. You can place a washcloth in the sink to cushion the fall if you accidentally drop your dentures while washing them.
- Never put your denture in a tissue or napkin when taking them out to eat. Accidents happen, and not only will they not be protected from breaking during a fall or sitting on them, but they are also more prone to be thrown away. Bring a case with you so you can place dentures in the case if you have to remove them.
IN CASE OF A TRUE EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS, PLEASE CALL OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE LINE: (813) 334-5432 Please contact our office directly during normal business hours for routine postoperative questions.
If you ever experience difficulty in breathing, swallowing, or a feeling of throat closure, please go straight to the emergency room or dial 911. After admission and stabilization, please contact the office.
We are grateful for your trust to perform these procedures and wish you a speedy recovery. If any other concerns arise, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
