Congratulations on your new full dentures from Gentle Touch Family Dentistry! We are dedicated to providing you with the best dental care and ensuring your transition to dentures is as comfortable and successful as possible. To ensure your satisfaction and oral health, please follow these post-op instructions and aftercare guidelines carefully.
Post-Op Instruction
- Wear Your Dentures: Immediately after receiving your full dentures, wear them consistently for the first 24 hours.Because of this, your mouth will have the opportunity to adjust to the new appliances and help identify areas requiring adjustments.
- Saliva and Speech: Expect an increase in saliva production initially. Your speech may also be affected temporarily. Practice speaking and reading aloud to help you quickly adapt to your new dentures.
- Chewing and Eating: Start with soft, easy-to-chew foods during the initial adjustment period. Cut your food into smaller pieces to make chewing more manageable. Avoid hot or hard foods until you are fully accustomed to your dentures.
- Oral Hygiene: Remove and gently rinse your dentures after meals to remove food particles. You should use a toothbrush to clean your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth soft-bristled toothbrush to stimulate circulation and maintain oral hygiene.
After Receiving Full Dentures:
- Wear Your Dentures: Continue to wear your dentures as much as possible during this period to help your mouth adapt. It’s normal to experience minor discomfort and sore spots. If these issues persist, contact our office for an adjustment.
- Chewing and Eating: Gradually reintroduce a wider variety of foods into your diet as your comfort level improves. Be patient and take small bites while chewing to prevent dislodging your dentures.
- Oral Hygiene: Remove and clean your dentures daily using a brush, mild denture cleaner, or soap. Daily, brush your gums, tongue, and palate to keep your mouth healthy and fresh.
- Denture Adhesive: If your dentist recommends, use denture adhesive sparingly to enhance stability and comfort. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying adhesive.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all of the follow-up appointments that have been set with your dentist. These visits are crucial for assessing the fit and function of your dentures and making any necessary adjustments.
Long-Term Aftercare for Full Dentures:
- Oral Hygiene: Ensure that you continue to practice proper oral hygiene by cleaning your dentures daily and brushing your gums, tongue, and palate. Regular oral care helps prevent irritation and infection.
- Denture Care: Handle your dentures with care to prevent damage. Remove them before bedtime to allow your gums to rest. Soak dentures overnight in a cleaner or as your dentist recommends.
- Denture Repairs and Adjustments: If you experience any discomfort, sore spots, or a change in the fit of your dentures, contact Gentle Touch Family Dentistry promptly. Do not alter or fix dentures as this may cause damage.
- Dietary Habits: Be mindful of your diet, avoiding extremely hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can damage your dentures.Go for a well-rounded diet that’s heavy on veggies, fruits, and protein.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Even with full dentures, having frequent dental check-ups is crucial for monitoring your oral health and check the fit and condition of your dentures. Your dentist will recommend visit frequency.
- Mouth Soreness: If you develop mouth sores or irritation, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply a topical oral gel or ointment as your dentist recommends. Persistent soreness should be reported to your dentist.
- Avoid Harmful Habits: Stop smoking and using tobacco products stain and damage your dentures. Additionally, avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, or using your dentures as tools.
- Storage: When not wearing your dentures, store them in a denture case filled with water to prevent them from drying out and warping. Keep your dentures out of reach of children and pets.
By following these post-op instructions and long-term aftercare guidelines, you can ensure your full dentures’ comfort, functionality, and longevity. If you have any questions or concerns during or after your recovery process, please do not hesitate to contact Gentle Touch Family Dentistry. We are here to support you in maintaining a healthy and confident smile. Your dental health and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we look forward to serving your dental needs for years to come.