Denture Pre-Visit Instructions
Denture Pre-Visit Instructions: Preparing for a Successful Denture Appointment
New Dentures can restore the natural look, feel, and function of your smile, but preparation is key for a comfortable and successful experience. Follow these pre-visit instructions to make your upcoming denture appointment as smooth as possible.
Proper Oral Hygiene with Dentures
To maintain your oral health with dentures, it’s crucial to keep your dentures, gums, and any natural teeth clean.
Cleaning Your Dentures
- Daily Denture Cleaning: Remove your dentures daily and clean them using a denture cleaner. We recommend using an ultrasonic cleaner, such as the Debatlog Ultrasonic Cleaner, with Polident Daily Denture Cleaner solution. This will help remove biofilm and reduce the risk of bacteria buildup.
- Teeth Brushing Routine: Brush your dentures, gums, and any remaining teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, like the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush, to prevent gum irritation. You may also consider an electric toothbrush, like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100, for a more thorough clean.
- Mouthwash and Rinsing: When brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash, such as Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash, to remove food particles that can get trapped and cause decay or gum disease.
Additional Cleaning Tools
- Floss Daily: Use regular dental floss, interdental brushes (like GUM Proxabrush), or flossers to remove plaque around any natural teeth. For ease, you may want to use GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or Sunstar GUM Advanced Care Flossers.
- Water Flosser: A water flosser, such as the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser, can be a helpful addition to your routine, flushing out food particles and plaque missed by brushing and flossing. Aim to use it at least once daily.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
- Fluoride Toothpaste: Use fluoride toothpaste to protect against cavities and gum disease. We recommend Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean Toothpaste for a comprehensive clean.
Dietary Guidelines Before Your Denture Procedure
Eat as you normally would on the day of your procedure. Having a balanced breakfast and lunch can provide energy and reduce post-procedure hunger, especially if your mouth may feel sensitive afterward.
Medication and Health Considerations
- Take Medications as Prescribed: Unless advised otherwise, take your regular medications on the day of your appointment.
- Inform Your Dentist of Health Changes: Update your dentist on any recent health or medication changes to ensure safe and effective treatment.
Appropriate Attire for Comfort and Convenience
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your appointment to help you relax during the procedure. Here are some helpful tips:
- Avoid Light-Colored Clothing: Denture materials and cleaning solutions can sometimes stain, so choose darker clothing.
- Minimal Makeup and Jewelry: Avoid wearing makeup or jewelry, especially in or around the mouth area, to prevent interference with the fitting process.
- Comfortable Shoes: Opt for flat, non-slip shoes over high heels to ensure stability.
- Remove Contact Lenses and Facial Jewelry: Remove contact lenses and jewelry, particularly from the tongue, lips, or nose, to prevent any potential irritation or obstruction during the procedure.
- Avoid Colored Nail Polish: Clear or neutral nail polish is preferred, as colored or gel polish may obscure important health indicators.
Review Post-Operative Instructions Ahead of Time
Familiarize yourself with our post-insertion care instructions so you know what to expect after receiving your dentures. This knowledge will help you transition more smoothly and keep your dentures comfortable and long-lasting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I eat before my denture appointment?
Yes, it’s recommended to eat your regular meals before the appointment for comfort and energy. - What medications should I avoid before my appointment?
Generally, you can continue with your normal medications unless instructed otherwise. If you’re unsure, consult your dentist. - What should I do if I have a health condition that may affect the procedure?
Inform your dentist of any recent changes in your health, medications, or ongoing medical treatments. This information allows your dentist to tailor the procedure safely. - How long should I plan to stay after the appointment?
Some appointments may be brief, while others may require a bit of post-procedure observation. Ask your dentist about expected appointment times and post-care instructions. - What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any pertinent medical information, your insurance card, and, if applicable, any current dentures for evaluation.
For more details on your upcoming denture appointment, contact us at Atlas Dental. We’re here to help ensure a smooth and comfortable experience as you prepare to receive your new dentures.