Denture Care
Dentures don’t last forever and should be checked by your Denturist annually for signs of wear and any other problems. They should be replaced every five to seven years.
Get The Right Fit
You should regularly check the fit of your dentures and also have them checked by your Denturist regularly. Do not wear loose dentures, as they can move around and cause friction between the soft tissues and the denture.
These areas can become irritated and inflamed resulting in sore spots. Left untreated these spots can become infected and the gums can be severely damaged. In extreme cases it requires surgery to repair the damage caused by this prolonged chronic irritation.
Proper Soaking And Brushing
Dentures can warp if placed in very hot water but can also change shape if they dry out. It is therefore very important that dentures be kept in room temperature water (in a denture cup) when not being worn. It is also recommended that a denture cleaning solution be added to the water.
Soaking your dentures in such a solution, while very important, is not enough. Dentures must be thoroughly brushed with a [link]proper denture brush[link to powerdent] twice daily to prevent excessive plaque build up. Both inside and outside surfaces must be brushed. When you come in for your yearly check-up your dentures will be professionally scaled, cleaned and polished, plus your mouth and soft tissues will be checked for any signs of trouble.
Regular Checkups
Dentures are not made to last forever. Be sure to visit your Denturist regularly as part of your recommended check-up schedule. Some medications can affect denture fit and comfort, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor and Denturist.
A denture that is properly made, using quality materials and fit to exacting standards should not only look natural, it should also function well.
- Are your dentures old, worn and ill fitting?
- Are they broken or missing teeth?
- Do you keep them in your pocket or dresser drawer?
- Do you take them out to eat or only put them in to eat?
- Do you only wear them when company comes over or when you go out in public?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dentures are not doing their job. Please make an appointment with us at your convenience.
Post Operative Instructions for Immediate Dentures Bleeding
When Immediate Dentures are placed over the extraction site, keep them in place for the first 24 hours to control bleeding. These will be removed by our staff when you return for your Post Operative Checkup – usually within a day or two. Your head should be elevated with two pillows and spitting or vigorous mouth rinsing should be avoided for at least 24 hours. Place an old towel over pillows at bedtime to protect from seepage in the night.
Activity
Quiet activity is recommended of the first 48 hours. Additional activity will invite infection, bleeding and delayed healing. Smokers are advised not to smoke for at least five days after surgery.
Swelling
Swelling is to be expected after surgery. Swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery, before starting to subside. Ice packs will minimize, but not eliminate, swelling.
Sutures
Unless you have been advised otherwise, dissolvable sutures are used which will fall out normally two to – seven days following surgery.
Prescriptions
Take all medication as prescribed by your Dentist. Most pain medication causes stomach upset when taken on a empty stomach, so it is extremely important to take these meds with food. If you did not receive a prescription, take whatever you usually take for pain.
Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours. After that gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2tsp of salt in one cup of water) after each meal and at bedtime.