Immediately After Your Procedure
Right after you receive your dentures, it’s normal to experience some soreness and discomfort as your mouth adjusts. Here’s what you can expect and how to handle it:
- Mild Bleeding: Some minor bleeding is normal. If it occurs, gently bite down on a clean gauze pad placed over the bleeding area for about 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact us immediately.
- Swelling and Soreness: Swelling is a natural response and can be managed with cold compresses applied to the cheek near the affected area. Do this for 10-15 minutes every hour as needed on the day of the surgery.
- Pain Management: You will likely experience some discomfort once the anesthetic wears off. We may prescribe pain relief medications. It’s important to follow the dosage instructions to manage pain effectively without side effects.
Eating and Drinking
Adjusting to dentures means modifying your diet initially:
- First 24 Hours: Stick to a liquid diet. Nutritious fluids like broths, soups, and smoothies are ideal as they are gentle on your gums.
- Next Few Days: As you grow more comfortable, you can gradually introduce soft foods such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and oatmeal.
- Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: In the weeks following your procedure, avoid hard, chewy, or sticky foods that may dislodge or put excessive pressure on your dentures.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial for the health of your gums and the durability of your dentures:
- Denture Care: Remove your dentures before bed to relieve your gums. Clean them daily using a soft denture brush and non-abrasive denture cleanser. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it can scratch the surface.
- Mouth Care: Use gauze or a soft toothbrush to wipe your palate, tongue, and gums after taking out your dentures to get rid of plaque and lower your chance of infection.
- Rinsing: Use a saltwater rinse several times a day, especially after meals, to soothe your gums and aid healing.
Handling and Maintenance of Dentures
Proper handling can prevent accidental damage:
- Handling: Always fill the sink with water or lay a towel down when handling your dentures, as they can break if dropped.
- Soaking: To keep your dentures moist and in shape when not in use, immerse them in water or a gentle denture soaking solution.
- Regular Check-Ups: Visit Paradise Dental for regular check-ups. We can help adjust your dentures as needed and check for any areas that might need repair.
Adjusting to Full Dentures
It may take some time to adjust to the feeling of full dentures:
- Speech: Initially, you might find it difficult to pronounce certain words. Practice speaking slowly and reading out loud to speed up your adjustment.
- Increased Saliva Production: Your body might react to the new dentures by producing more saliva. This should normalize as you become accustomed to the dentures.
Potential Issues and Solutions
Be aware of potential issues that might arise and know how to handle them:
- Discomfort: If discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, it may indicate that your dentures need adjusting. Don’t attempt to adjust them yourself; contact us for an appointment.
- Infections: Watch for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, and contact us if these symptoms appear.
- Loose Dentures: If your dentures feel loose, come in for a check-up. Over time, your gum contours change, which may require adjustments to your dentures.
Long-Term Care
Taking good care of your dentures extends their life and ensures they remain comfortable and functional:
- Regular Cleaning: Just like natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning to prevent staining and tartar build-up.
- Annual Reviews: Regular yearly evaluations at Paradise Dental will ensure that your dentures are in good condition and properly fitted.
Getting full dentures is a life-changing event, and it’s important to take good care of them from the start. By following these post-operative care instructions, you can ensure a comfortable adjustment period and long-term satisfaction with your new dentures.
Remember, our team at Paradise Dental is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
