Care Instructions

Immediately Following Surgery

Your denture/partial is designed to accommodate the dramatic changes that occur after having your teeth extracted. Your mouth will feel very strange and different to you following surgery.

• Follow the instructions given to you by your surgeon or periodontist regarding diet, medication, rinsing, etc.
• You may remove the denture/partial for rinsing, but it should be reinserted within 5-10 minutes.
• The first time you remove your prosthesis, it is best to be sitting. Your prothesis compresses the tissues in your mouth and when removed may cause a slight feeling of being light headed.
• If the denture/partial is removed for an extended period of time, any swelling that might occur can go unregulated and you may not be able to reinsert your denture/partial for several days.
• We will make any modifications or adjustments necessary during your office visit with us.

DON’T WORRY, IT WILL GET BETTER!

Teeth Whitening Instructions

Your tray(s) are custom made to fit your teeth. A small reservoir has been fabricated on the front of the tray for each tooth to be whitened. This is where a very small amount of bleaching gel is to be placed. You will receive four syringes of whitening gel when your tray(s) are delivered.

• Place a very small amount of gel in each reservoir
• Place your tray(s) over teeth
• Wear your tray(s) for 2 hours each day or you may wear them over night
• Clean trays after use by brushing with your toothbrush under warm water
• Should you feel the need to sterilize your tray(s), simply wash gently with warm water and soap and then rinse thoroughly
• Store in case away from pets
• Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after bleaching
• Try to avoid excess coffee, tea, dark sodas, or red wine during your bleaching process
• If you should experience any sensitivity during this process, alternate bleaching days and use Sensodyne toothpaste
• Keep extra syringes in the refrigerator

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at 336-274-5400.

Instructions Following Extraction

• Rest for the remainder of the day following your extraction. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity.
• Do not spit forcefully. You may gently rinse your mouth, but allow the water to flow out naturally into the sink.
• Do not drink through a straw.
• Do not smoke for the rest of the day.
• Avoid activities that create suction in your mouth, such as forceful spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking, as these can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition known as a dry socket.
• Be sure to eat something, but if you are still numb, chew carefully to avoid biting your tongue, lip, or cheek. Soup is a good option, but it should not be too hot. Having food in your stomach can also help prevent nausea.
• If a denture or partial denture was placed after your extraction, it will act as a protective bandage. Do not place gauze underneath it.
• You may notice some blood oozing when the denture or partial is removed. This is normal, and blood mixed with saliva can appear heavier than it actually is.
• Wear your denture or partial for the rest of the day and while sleeping tonight. Remove it only for cleaning or rinsing. Wearing it overnight helps minimize swelling around the extraction site.
• You may begin sleeping without your denture or partial starting tomorrow night.
• If you do not have a denture or partial, gauze will be placed over the extraction site. Bite down firmly to control bleeding. As the gauze becomes saturated, replace it with two fresh gauze pads folded into a compact square and positioned over the extraction site. Continue biting firmly and change the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops. Slight oozing after removing the gauze is normal.
• If the gauze continues to become saturated with blood after two hours, or if you have any concerns, please contact our office at 336-274-5400.

The Healing Phase With Your New Prosthesis

Wearing an interim denture or partial is a unique experience and often requires an adjustment period. Our team will do everything we can to support you through the healing process by offering guidance, making necessary adjustments, and providing ongoing care.

During the next 4–6 months, you will return for periodic adjustments to accommodate the natural changes that occur as your mouth heals following tooth removal.

Recommended Follow-Up Schedule

• 1–2 weeks after surgery
• 1 month after surgery
• 3 months after surgery
• 6 months after surgery

These appointments are typically brief (30–45 minutes) and may not all be necessary. The number and timing of your visits will depend on your individual healing process and response to treatment.

After approximately 4–6 months, we will evaluate your healing to determine when it is appropriate to proceed with your definitive (permanent) denture or partial.

To promote proper healing, leave your denture or partial out overnight. When it is not being worn, keep it in water or wrapped in a wet paper towel, following your dentist’s instructions.

If you experience any problems or have questions during your recovery, please contact our office at 336-274-5400.

Candidal Infections

We have found evidence of a candidal (yeast) infection in your mouth. While yeast is naturally present in everyone’s mouth, it can overgrow under certain conditions. The following recommendations can help treat and prevent candidal infections.

Nystatin Rinse Instructions

• Rinse 2–3 times per day using one tablespoon of Nystatin rinse.
• Swish for 1–2 minutes, then spit or swallow as directed by your provider.
• Avoid eating or drinking immediately after rinsing.
• Remove your denture(s) before using the rinse.
• Do not drink directly from the bottle or bottle cap. Instead, pour the rinse into a separate cup to avoid contaminating the bottle.
• When your denture(s) are not being worn, soak them in a mixture of a splash of Nystatin rinse and enough water to completely cover the prosthesis.
• Brush your denture(s) thoroughly before placing them back in your mouth.
• Soak your toothbrush in a mixture of Nystatin rinse and water for several minutes, then rinse the toothbrush before use.
• Rinse with Nystatin again before reinserting your denture(s).

Mycolog Cream

Apply Mycolog cream to the corners of your mouth 3–4 times per day as needed to relieve symptoms such as cracking, bleeding, soreness, or irritation.

Tips to Prevent Candidal Overgrowth

• Remove your denture(s) every night or for at least 4–6 hours during the day.
• Keep your denture(s) clean by brushing them regularly.
• Brush the roof of your mouth, tongue, and gums with a soft toothbrush each day.
• Attend yearly recall appointments to evaluate the fit of your denture(s) and to have your oral tissues examined for signs of disease.

Soft Liner / Tissue Conditioning

A soft liner has been placed in your prosthesis to help your oral tissues heal more comfortably and to improve retention during the healing process.

This liner is intended to be a temporary solution and should generally not be worn for longer than 2–3 months. Because the material is porous, it can absorb odors, stains, and bacteria. Over time, the soft liner may begin to separate from the prosthesis, harden, or develop peeling areas. Eventually, it will need to be replaced with a permanent hard lining or a new prosthesis, as outlined in your treatment plan.

Care for a Prosthesis with a Soft Liner

• When the prosthesis is not being worn, wrap it in a wet paper towel and store it in a denture cup or sealed plastic bag to maintain moisture.
• Do not soak the prosthesis in plain water unless using a denture-cleaning tablet such as Polident or Efferdent.
• Do not soak it in other dental cleansers. Instead, clean it with mild soap (such as Dawn dish soap) and water.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the inside of the prosthesis where the soft liner is located.
• Do not use regular toothpaste on denture teeth, as it is abrasive and can scratch the surface, making it more susceptible to stains and bacteria.
• Always clean your denture or partial over a folded towel or a sink partially filled with water to cushion it if dropped.
• Store your denture or partial in a secure location away from pets, such as a drawer or cabinet, as pets are often attracted to chewing on them.

Sore Spots

If you develop sore spots, temporarily removing your prosthesis may provide relief. However, if you have an adjustment appointment scheduled, reinsert the prosthesis approximately one hour before your visit so we can accurately identify the areas causing irritation.

Please do not attempt to adjust the prosthesis yourself, as this can cause permanent damage. Our team is happy to make any necessary adjustments, and often a minor modification can significantly improve comfort. Contact our office if you feel an adjustment is needed.

Broken Denture or Partial

If your denture or partial fractures, please call our office at 336-274-5400 to schedule a repair appointment. When calling, describe the damage as accurately as possible, and be sure to bring any broken pieces or detached teeth with you to your appointment.

Temporary Crowns and Bridges

We have provided you with a temporary crown or bridge to wear until your final restoration is ready. Your temporary restoration serves several important purposes:

• Protects the underlying tooth from damage or breakage.
• Helps minimize tooth sensitivity.
• Maintains the position of surrounding teeth.
• Supports and shapes the surrounding soft tissue.

For these reasons, it is important to let us know if you experience any problems with your temporary restoration.

Caring for Your Temporary Restoration

• Brush your temporary restoration just as you would your natural teeth.
• When flossing, guide the floss gently toward the gums and slide it out from the side. Do not pull the floss upward away from the gum line, as this could dislodge the temporary.
• If you have a temporary bridge or splinted temporaries, use Glide Floss Threaders or Super Floss (available at most drug stores) as instructed.
• Do not chew hard, sticky, or chewy foods, as they can loosen, break, or remove the temporary restoration.

Temporary crowns and bridges are typically worn for 3–4 weeks before your permanent restoration is placed.

If Your Temporary Comes Off or Breaks

Please contact our office if your temporary becomes loose, breaks, or is lost. Let us know whether it is still in one piece, broken into multiple pieces, or missing entirely, and whether you are experiencing any sensitivity or discomfort. This information helps us prepare for your visit and resolve the issue as efficiently as possible.

The first re-cementation or remake of your temporary is provided at no charge if needed. Additional repairs may incur a nominal fee ranging from $35 to $100, depending on the complexity of the restoration.

Temporary At-Home Replacement (After Hours Only)

If your temporary comes off outside of office hours and the tooth is sensitive or the restoration is needed for appearance, you may temporarily replace it using denture adhesive (such as Polygrip).

• Dry both the tooth and the temporary as thoroughly as possible using a paper towel or hair dryer.
• Apply a small, BB-sized amount of denture adhesive inside the temporary.
• Carefully seat the temporary back onto the tooth.
• Do not eat or sleep while wearing a temporary that has been reattached with denture adhesive.

Please note: This is intended only as a short-term solution for comfort or appearance. Contact our office as soon as possible to have the temporary professionally re-cemented.

In most cases, it is important to have your temporary properly replaced. We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule and see you as soon as possible.

If you experience any problems with your temporary restoration or have any questions, please contact our office for assistance.

New Denture Expectations

As your mouth heals, changes in your gums and bone structure are normal. Your tissues will continue to adapt over time, and your overall experience with your new denture or partial should improve throughout the healing process.

If you have any concerns about the appearance of your new teeth, please discuss them with us during your adjustment appointments. Most esthetic concerns can be addressed with simple modifications.

• New dentures may feel awkward at first and may seem loose until the muscles of your cheeks and tongue adapt to wearing them.
• Your bite (occlusion) may feel different or even seem “not quite right” during the first few weeks. We will allow your bite to settle naturally before evaluating and making any necessary adjustments.
• If you feel the need to use denture adhesive, please speak with us first. In many cases, a minor adjustment can improve retention and stability without the need for adhesive. If adhesive is recommended, we will provide instructions tailored to your specific situation.
• Eating with your new denture will take practice. Start with soft foods, take small bites, and chew slowly using both sides of your mouth at the same time. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually return to a wider variety of foods.
• Your speech may sound different initially, but this is temporary. The more you practice speaking, reading aloud, or conversing, the more quickly you will adapt.

Be patient with yourself during the adjustment period. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office for assistance.

CariFree Instructions

CTX4 Gel

• Use twice daily in place of your regular toothpaste.
• Apply a small amount of gel to your toothbrush and brush all tooth surfaces thoroughly for at least one minute.
• Spit out after brushing.
• For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes after use.

CTX2 Spray

• Spray into your mouth 2–3 times as often as needed.
• Recommended for use between meals, after meals, and before bedtime.

CTX3 Rinse

• Use at bedtime after brushing your teeth.
• Vigorously swish 10 mL of rinse between your teeth for one minute.
• Spit out after rinsing.
• Do not swallow the rinse.

CTX4 Rinse

• Shake both bottles well before use.
• Using the measuring cap, combine 5 mL of Component A with 5 mL of Component B for a total of 10 mL.
• Do not dilute the mixture.
• Vigorously swish the combined rinse for one minute, then spit it out.
• Do not swallow the rinse.
• Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after rinsing. For best results, use at bedtime after brushing your teeth.
• Avoid consuming foods or beverages that may cause staining (such as coffee, tea, or wine) for at least one hour after rinsing.

Important: Keep all CariFree products out of reach of pets.

MI+ Paste Instructions for Use

• Floss, brush, and rinse your teeth as you normally would.
• Apply MI+ Paste to your trays as directed.
• Insert the trays and allow the paste to remain on your teeth for 3 minutes.
• Remove the trays and spit out any excess paste. Do not rinse your mouth.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
• This treatment can be used at any time of day, but using it before bedtime is recommended for the best results.

MI Paste Instructions for Use

• Floss, brush, and rinse your teeth as you normally would.
• Using your finger, apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste to all surfaces of your teeth.
• Allow the paste to remain on your teeth for 3 minutes.
• Spit out any excess paste, but do not rinse your mouth.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
• MI Paste may be used 2–4 times per day, with the most important application being before bedtime.

MI Paste Instructions for Use

• Floss, brush, and rinse your teeth as you normally would.
• Using your finger, apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste to all surfaces of your teeth.
• Allow the paste to remain on your teeth for 3 minutes.
• Spit out any excess paste, but do not rinse your mouth.
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
• MI Paste may be used 2–4 times per day, with the most important application being before bedtime.