Do you have embarrassing gaps in your smile where teeth used to be? Are you holding on to aching teeth that may need to come out? South Knox Dental is here for you! 

We help patients from across Knoxville and Eastern Tennessee select the best replacement teeth for their needs, preferences, and goals, including partial and full (complete) dentures. We also provide recommendations for daily care and ongoing maintenance for dentures, to support a lifetime of healthy, attractive smiles. Here are some tips for caring for your dentures.

Start Off Strong

It is normal for dentures to feel strange at first. Like braces or other oral appliances, there is an adjustment period. We generally encourage patients to:

• Keep up with follow-up appointments. At least one follow-up visit is typically needed. We can adjust or refine the denture for comfort. Do not try adjustments at home! “Do-It-Yourself” kits can permanently damage dentures. Leave any repairs or adjustments to the professionals.
• Choose soft yet nutritious foods. Soft foods are more forgiving. But beware of junk food! Reach for dentist-approved berries, olives, yogurt, hummus, steamed vegetables, and vitamin-fortified smoothies. Limit overly processed meal options. Work your way up gradually to chewier or more fibrous foods. Once you have more confidence in chewing, cut crunchier foods into manageable slices. Then incorporate chewy apples, bread, granola, and other “challenging” (yet still nutrient-dense) foods.
• Practice makes perfect. “Train” yourself to speak clearly and pronounce words properly with your new teeth. Try exercises like “singing” phrases. Don’t hurry through it. This process helps you get used to forming words with the denture.
• Ask about dental creams, adhesives, and other products. These “helpers” can help speed up the transition to wearing dentures. Sores and discomfort early in the process may interfere with your ability to quickly and easily function with your new teeth.

Ongoing Denture Maintenance

Clean denture components every day. While dental work does not decay like natural tooth structure, bacterial plaque can still accumulate and threaten other supportive tissues. Furthermore, inconsistent or inadequate denture care can threaten the health of any remaining teeth. 

• First, rinse off the denture. This loosens lingering or sticky food particles.
• Then, moisten a soft cloth or toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Get your denture cleanser ready. Never use abrasive household cleaners or “standard” toothpaste on denture parts.

Brushing and Flossing

Brush all surfaces. Be careful when going over clasps or attachments. Bacteria tend to collect in these areas. Also, avoid brushing too hard. Otherwise, you could damage delicate attachments. Be mindful of areas that harbor bacteria and plaque (gums, tongue, palate). In these cases, use your usual toothpaste or rinse with salt water. Do not use denture cleansers on soft oral tissues. They are too irritating. Of course, if you have natural teeth left, brush them as you usually would. Don’t forget to floss.

Overnight Denture Care Advice

• Soak dentures overnight, and any time they are not in your mouth. A moist environment prevents the denture from drying out. So, the shape is retained.
• Keep dentures in warm (not hot) water to avoid warping.
• Use a special soaking product or a mixture of vinegar and water. We can recommend appropriate products based on the materials used to make your denture.
• Always ensure all food debris is removed before putting the denture back in your mouth. Otherwise, you are just relocating bacteria from one part of your mouth to another.

It’s essential to visit South Knox Dental regularly. During routine visits, your dentist can check how your dentures are fitting. Your dentist may find cracks or other signs of wear that must be repaired. Since your mouth is constantly changing, we may recommend relining, rebasing, or replacing the denture as necessary to retain the proper fit that supports patient comfort, satisfaction, and healthy function! 

Contact our Knoxville, TN, office to schedule a denture consultation today.

One of the major sources of anxiety for some people is a trip to the dentist, especially for tooth extractions, but it does not have to be this way. Anxiety is often the result of fear of the unknown. If you have dental anxiety at the idea of getting an emergency tooth extraction, you are not alone. However, knowing exactly how the procedure works can help put your mind at ease.

Ask Questions About The Tooth Extraction Process

An in-depth discussion with your dentist can help you understand why an emergency tooth extraction might be the best treatment option for your situation. Our compassionate and empathetic dental team at South Knox Dental in Knoxville, TN, takes a much more conservative approach when recommending an emergency tooth extraction. We take pride in educating and informing patients that an extraction is a last resort and is usually performed to preserve oral health.

It is your responsibility as a patient to ask as many questions as you need to before going in for your emergency tooth extraction. You should also find out for yourself what to expect during and after the procedure. This will empower you and give you more confidence. We will do our best to help alleviate your concerns and relieve your anxiety. You’re not the first patient we’ve seen with dental anxiety, and certainly won’t be the last.

How Long Does it Take?

A tooth extraction is actually a quick process and takes less time than other procedures like crowns and fillings. The human mouth heals easily, so the recovery time should be only a few days. It’s well worth the time to relieve future pain and discomfort.

Additional Tips

Here are some other tips that you should consider to help you with dental anxiety:

• Bring along a family member or close friend to be with you.
• Listen to music to calm your nerves (you can bring your headphones to your appointment).
• Try breathing techniques and meditation to relax the mind.

If you need an emergency extraction or wish to learn more about our restorative dental services—such as wisdom tooth removal—contact South Knox Dental in Knoxville, TN, to schedule your appointment.

• Phone: 865-577-7535
• Email: [email protected]