Are you preparing for full dentures or have recently undergone the procedure? First, congratulations on taking proactive steps to improve your oral health and overall well-being.
While getting new dentures can be life-changing in terms of restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently again, it’s important to follow proper post-op instructions to ensure their longevity and maintain optimal oral hygiene.
At Jaline Boccuzzi, DMD, AAACD, PA / JBDentistry, we are committed to ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition to your new smile. Follow these detailed instructions to care for your dentures and maintain oral health.
- Initial Adjustment Period (Days 1-14)
- Immediate Care Post-Procedure
- Rest for the remainder of the day following your procedure.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours to minimize swelling and discomfort.
- Eating and Drinking
- Begin with little pieces of soft foods.
- Chew slowly and use both sides of your mouth.
- Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods during the initial healing phase.
- Pain and Discomfort
- Some discomfort and soreness are normal. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as advised.
- If pain persists or worsens, contact our office immediately.
- Denture Care
- Cleaning Your Dentures
- Make sure to clean your dentures every day with a denture cleaner and a soft-bristle brush.
- Avoid using toothpaste as it can scratch the denture surface.
- Rinse dentures thoroughly after each meal.
- Handling Dentures
- Handle your dentures with care to avoid bending or damaging them.
- When not in use, keep them in water or a denture-cleansing solution to prevent warping.
- Oral Hygiene
- Cleaning Your Mouth
- Even without natural teeth, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Denture wearers should use a soft-bristled brush to gently clean the gums, tongue, and roof of their mouth twice a day, before putting their dentures in.
- Regular Dental Visits
- Schedule regular check-ups every six months, or as recommended by Dr. Boccuzzi.
- These visits are crucial for adjusting dentures and monitoring oral health.
- Adjusting to Your Dentures
- Speaking
- Practice speaking aloud to adjust to your dentures.
- Read aloud and repeat challenging words.
- Chewing
- You may initially find it challenging to chew. Gradually reintroduce different types of food as you become more comfortable.
- Denture Adhesives
- When to Use
- Denture adhesives can be used once the fit and bite are confirmed to be correct.
- They can help with confidence in eating, speaking, and socializing.
- Application Tips
- Apply a small amount according to the instructions.
- Avoid overuse as it can alter the fit of the dentures.
- Long-Term Care
- Regular Adjustments
- As your mouth changes shape over time, your dentures may need adjustments. Do not attempt to adjust them yourself.
- Schedule an appointment for any adjustments or repairs.
- Replacing Dentures
- It is recommended to replace dentures every 5 to 7 years, on average.
- Regular check-ups will help assess when a replacement is necessary.
- Monitoring Your Health
- Oral Health
- Be alert to changes in your mouth, gums, or the fit of your dentures.
- Report any persistent discomfort, sores, or changes in fit to our office.
- General Health
- Good nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining oral and overall health.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.
- Emergency Situations
- In Case of Emergency
- If you experience significant discomfort, swelling, or any other urgent issues, contact our office immediately.
- For after-hours emergencies, follow the instructions provided in your patient information packet.
Your journey to a beautiful and functional smile is important to us at Jaline Boccuzzi, DMD, AAACD, PA / JBDentistry. Adhering to these post-operative instructions is crucial for a successful transition to your new dentures. Should you
have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here to assist you every step of the way in your journey to optimal oral health and a confident smile.
Remember, getting used to your new dentures takes time and patience. You may experience increased saliva flow, a feeling that your tongue doesn’t have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness. These sensations will diminish as your muscles and tissues adapt.
Additional Tips
- Speaking Exercises
- Practice reading aloud and repeating difficult-to-pronounce words to accelerate your adjustment to the dentures.
- Denture Sores:
- If you develop sores in your mouth from the dentures, rinse with warm salt water and contact our office for an adjustment.
- Hydration:
- Keep yourself well-hydrated, as adequate saliva production is essential for denture comfort and oral hygiene.
Embracing Your New Smile
Confidence with Your Dentures
Give yourself time to adapt to your new appearance and enjoy the benefits of a full smile. Engage in social activities and conversations to build confidence in your new smile.
Positive Attitude
Embrace this change with a positive attitude, understanding that full dentures can significantly improve your quality of life.
At Jaline Boccuzzi, DMD, AAACD, PA / JBDentistry, we are committed to your comfort and satisfaction. Follow these instructions carefully, and feel free to reach out to our team for any guidance or support. We wish you a smooth and happy transition to life with your new full dentures!