Helpful Hints

If an area is particularly sore, leave the denture out as much as possible until the day of the adjustment appointment. Rinse your mouth frequently with warm salt water. Once the extraction areas have initially healed (1-3 weeks) we can place a *temporary* lining in the denture to help refit it to your newly shaped gums and make the denture tight once again. This lining process will be required several times over the course of a 6-12 month period, after which time a *permanent* reline will be required. This *permanent* reline will last for 2-3 years.

Eating soft foods and smaller bites during the initial healing period is highly recommended. Soups, pastas, eggs, oatmeal, and even meal replacement drinks are all great options.

It can be helpful for speech adjustment to read to yourself and talk as much as you can. Practice “s” and “th” words as these can be the most difficult to relearn. Have patience!

Gum disease, typically starting with gingivitis, is often characterized by swollen, red, bleeding, or receding gums. A periodontal infection can ultimately destroy the bone surrounding your teeth, and may cause you to lose your teeth if left untreated. Periodontal disease has also been linked to serious health problems, such as heart attack, diabetes, respiratory infections, and stroke. Although periodontal disease cannot be cured, it can be controlled with dental treatment. The removal of harmful bacteria from the gums can stop the infection from getting worse, and regular check-ups can keep it under control.  In those cases of advanced gum disease however, extracting the jeopardized teeth and placement of implants or regular dentures may be necessary.