Getting Used to Your New Dentures

What to Expect, How to Adjust, and How to Care for Them

At Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry, we know that adjusting to dentures is a big change — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. It takes a little time and patience, but with proper care and follow-up visits, you’ll soon feel confident and comfortable with your new smile.

Initial Sensations

When you first begin wearing dentures, they may feel loose or bulky. You might notice slight movement when chewing, or food and liquids slipping underneath. This is normal as your mouth adapts.

It’s also common to experience:

• A crowded or full feeling on your tongue

• A mild gag reflex at first

• Soreness or irritation as your gums adjust

• Increased saliva flow, which will lessen over time

After a few weeks, these sensations typically fade as your mouth adjusts. If irritation or soreness continues, contact our office — Dr. Ly may need to make small adjustments for a better fit.

Appearance

Dentures can actually enhance your facial appearance by restoring lost volume and reducing facial creases. At first, your smile or expression may look slightly different, but as your facial muscles adapt, your dentures will begin to look and feel more natural.

Eating with Dentures

Start with soft foods cut into small pieces. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides using your back teeth to keep your dentures stable.
As you adjust, gradually reintroduce firmer foods — just avoid sticky or very hard foods until you’re fully comfortable.

Tip: Learning to chew with dentures takes time — be patient with yourself and practice daily.

Speaking with Dentures

It’s common to notice a difference in speech when you first wear dentures. Reading aloud or practicing difficult words helps your tongue adapt quickly.

If your dentures click or slip when you talk or laugh, close your teeth together gently and swallow to reposition them. Over time, this will become second nature.

When to Wear Your Dentures

Follow Dr. Ly’s recommendations on how long to wear your dentures each day. Generally:

• Wear them during the day while you’re eating and talking.

• Remove them at night to give your mouth a rest and maintain oral health.

Caring for Your Mouth

Even with full dentures, it’s important to keep your mouth clean:

• Brush your gums, tongue, and palate gently each morning with a soft toothbrush.

• Visit Twin City Smiles at least once a year for a full exam — we’ll check your dentures, screen for oral cancer, and evaluate your gum ridges and jaw joints.

Caring for Your Dentures

Clean dentures are essential for oral health and fresh breath. Here’s how to keep them in great shape:

• Handle them carefully — dropping dentures can crack the base or chip a tooth.

• Rinse before brushing, then use a denture cleaner or mild soap with a soft-bristled or denture brush.

• Avoid abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, or bleach — these can damage the material.

• Soak dentures overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution to maintain their shape (never in hot water).

Tip: Keep dentures out of reach of pets and children — they’re curious.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

Adjusting to dentures takes time, but you’re not alone. Dr. Duong Ly and our friendly team at Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry are here to help you through every stage — from your first fitting to long-term comfort and confidence.

Call us anytime if your dentures feel loose, sore, or uncomfortable. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Post-Root Canal Surgery Instructions

What to Expect and How to Care for Your Smile

A little bit of soreness or discomfort after a root canal is completely normal. Follow these steps to help your healing go smoothly and comfortably:

Pain Management

• Start your pain medication before your anesthesia wears off.

• Take Ibuprofen (Advil) — 600 mg every 6 hours or 800 mg every 8 hours, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• If you can’t take Ibuprofen, take two Acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours instead.

• Do not take Aspirin.

Antibiotics

If Dr. Ly prescribed an antibiotic, take it exactly as directed and finish the entire course — even if you start feeling better.

Antibiotics may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Please consult your physician if you have concerns.

Protect the Surgical Area

• Avoid lifting your lip or touching the surgical site — this can delay healing or tear stitches.

• Some swelling or mild bruising is normal and may peak around 48–96 hours after surgery.

• To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 3–4 hours.

  • Don’t use ice for more than 6 hours total, and never fall asleep with ice on your face.

Eating and Drinking

• Eat soft foods and stay hydrated — this helps your body heal faster.

• Avoid crunchy foods and hot liquids for the first 3 days.

Oral Hygiene

• Starting the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water) after meals and before bed.

• You may also use any prescribed mouth rinse.

• Brush and floss as usual, but avoid the surgical site until it feels comfortable.

Avoid Smoking

Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after surgery. Smoking slows healing and increases the risk of complications.

Bleeding and Follow-Up

A small amount of oozing or bleeding is normal for the first few days.
If bleeding continues for more than 48 hours, or you experience severe pain or swelling, please contact Twin City Smiles immediately.

When to Call Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or experience unexpected symptoms, call our office anytime — day or night.
Your comfort and healing are our priority.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare Instructions

Healing Comfortably Starts with the Right Care

At Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry, we want your healing to be as smooth and comfortable as possible after your extraction. Please follow these directions carefully to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.

Local Care

• Bite on the gauze for 30 minutes immediately after your extraction.

• Replace it once after 30 minutes. Some blood on the gauze is normal — it does not mean you’re still bleeding.

• If your mouth continues to fill with blood after the second gauze, place fresh gauze directly on the extraction site and apply firm pressure.

• If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened tea bag wrapped in gauze for 30 minutes.

• Still bleeding? Call Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry right away.

Important:

• Do not rinse, spit, or use a straw on the day of surgery — this can dislodge the healing clot and cause more bleeding.

• Let saliva gently drip from your mouth instead of spitting.

• Avoid hot foods and drinks (coffee, tea, soup) for the first day.

• Stick to cool, soft foods such as yogurt, ice cream, pudding, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or soft pasta.

• Avoid foods with sharp edges (chips, crackers, toast) for 4–5 days.

• Do not smoke for at least 24 hours. Smoking greatly increases the risk of a painful dry socket.

Swelling and Ice

Apply an ice pack to your cheek on the day of surgery — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for about 3–4 hours.
Do not fall asleep with ice on your face. Ice helps reduce swelling, which is usually most noticeable 48–72 hours after surgery.

Pain Management

• Begin pain medication before your anesthesia wears off (usually 30–60 minutes after your appointment).

• Take Ibuprofen (Advil or Aleve) 600 mg every 6 hours or 800 mg every 8 hours.

• If you cannot take Ibuprofen, take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg every 6 hours.

• You may alternate or combine full doses of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen every 3 hours — this is safe and more effective than taking too much of one.

• Avoid Aspirin.

• Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.

• Do not drive or drink alcohol if you’re taking prescription pain pills.

The Day After Surgery

1. Rinse gently with warm salt water (1 teaspoon salt in 1 glass of warm water) 4 times a day for one week, or use the mouth rinse prescribed by Dr. Ly.

2. Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, being careful around the extraction site.

Two Days After Surgery

If swelling continues, use moist heat (a warm towel or heating pad) on your cheek for 15–20 minutes at a time. Swelling typically peaks 48–72 hours after surgery.

Bruising and Stiffness

• Minor bruising is normal and should fade within 7–14 days.

• Some jaw stiffness is common, especially after longer procedures.

  • Moist heat and Ibuprofen can help relieve discomfort.

Sutures (Stitches)

• Most stitches dissolve on their own within a week — some may last up to two weeks.

• Don’t pull at loose stitches; you may carefully trim any that hang down.

• If one comes out early, don’t worry — this is normal.

Pain and Healing Progress

• Most pain improves noticeably by day three.

• If pain or swelling increases after day four, contact Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry right away to be evaluated by Dr. Duong Ly or an available provider.

Questions or Concerns?

If you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, or have any concerns at all, call us anytime.
Your comfort, safety, and healing are always our top priority at Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry.

At Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry, we want your orthodontic journey to be comfortable, successful, and cavity-free! Following these home care instructions will help keep your teeth and gums healthy while your braces or aligners work their magic.

Oral Hygiene

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45° angle toward the gums, just above the brackets or bands.

• Brush gently back and forth, then clean the chewing and inside surfaces of the teeth.

• You can carefully brush under the wire to remove trapped food — just make sure the bristles point away from your gums.

• Brush for two minutes, twice a day — morning and night.

• Because braces and aligners trap more plaque, it’s very important to stay consistent and thorough.

Flossing

Flossing with orthodontic appliances can be tricky, but it’s essential for keeping your gums healthy.

• Use floss threaders or special orthodontic floss to get under the wire.

• Wrap the floss in a “C” shape around each tooth and move it gently up and down.

• Repeat for each tooth and floss at least once per day.

Clear Aligners

• Remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water.

• Always place them in your protective case — never wrap them in a napkin (they’re easy to throw away!).

• Keep aligners away from pets — dogs especially love to chew them!

• Rinse your mouth with water after meals and brush before putting aligners back in.

• Only drink plain, still water while wearing aligners — avoid carbonated or flavored waters.

Sports & Orthodontics

If you play contact sports, let Dr. Duong Ly know — we can provide a custom orthodontic mouthguard designed to protect your teeth and braces during activity.

Foods to Avoid or Modify

Now that you’re wearing orthodontic appliances, a few changes in your eating habits will help protect your braces and wires.

Foods That Can Damage Your Appliance:

Popcorn • Peanuts • Ice Cubes • Spareribs • Taffy • Corn Chips • Chicken Legs • Caramel • Corn on the Cob

Foods to Cut Into Small Pieces Before Eating:

Apples • Hard Breads • Steak • Raw Vegetables • Bagels

Any food you would normally bite into with your front teeth should be cut into small pieces first.

Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks:

If you enjoy sweets like soda, candy, or cake, rinse with water and brush immediately after eating to prevent cavities.

Habits That Can Damage Your Appliance:

• Chewing on pencils or pens

• Biting fingernails

• Picking or pulling at your braces

• Rocking your headgear or lip bumper up and down

If Your Appliance Is Damaged

• A bracket or wire may occasionally loosen or break — if this happens, call Twin City Smiles right away to schedule a repair.

• You can use orthodontic wax on any area that feels rough or irritating until you’re seen.

• If a band becomes loose, stop wearing your elastics until your visit.

We’re Here to Help

A little extra care goes a long way toward a smooth, successful orthodontic experience.
If something doesn’t feel right, or if you have questions about brushing, eating, or broken appliances, contact Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry — our team is happy to help!

At Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry, your comfort and recovery are our top priorities. Please follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications after your dental surgery.

Diet

Eat soft foods such as pasta, fish, chicken, cooked vegetables, eggs, smoothies, and yogurt. Avoid hard or crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, nuts, popcorn, chips, crusty bread, or hard cereal.

Chew on the opposite side of the surgical area and cut food into small pieces to make eating more comfortable.

Medications

• Continue taking any medications prescribed before surgery (such as antibiotics or steroids) as directed.

• Always finish your full course of antibiotics — even if you feel better.

• Taking a probiotic supplement during antibiotic use can help maintain healthy digestion.

• Report any allergic reactions to medication to our office immediately.

Discomfort

Some soreness or discomfort is normal once the anesthesia wears off.

• Begin pain medication before the numbness fades (about 30–60 minutes after your appointment).

• For effective pain relief without narcotics, take:

  • 2 tablets of Advil (Ibuprofen 200 mg each) and

  • 2 tablets of Tylenol (Acetaminophen, regular or extra strength) every 4–6 hours.

• This combination provides strong pain control comparable to narcotic medication — without side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or constipation.

Swelling

Swelling is common and typically peaks within 48 hours.

• For the first 48 hours, use ice packs on the affected area: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for up to 2–3 hours.

• After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses (like a damp towel) to reduce swelling and promote healing.

Bleeding

A small amount of blood in your saliva is normal for several hours after surgery.

• Do not rinse or spit forcefully for the first 24–48 hours. Instead, let saliva drip gently into a sink or cup.

• If bleeding continues, press a moistened tea bag gently on the site for 5–10 minutes.

• If heavy or prolonged bleeding persists, call Twin City Smiles immediately.

Cleanliness & Oral Hygiene

• Do not brush near the surgical site until advised by Dr. Duong Ly at your follow-up appointment.

• Brush and floss the other areas of your mouth as usual.

• Avoid stretching your cheeks near the surgical site to prevent pulling on stitches.

• If prescribed, begin using antiseptic mouthwash the morning after surgery, twice daily (morning and bedtime).

Sutures (Stitches)

Do not tug, touch, or attempt to remove your stitches. They will typically dissolve on their own, or Dr. Ly will remove them during your follow-up visit.

Dressing or Surgical Bandage

You may have a soft protective dressing placed over the surgical site.

• Over time, it may become brittle and small pieces may flake off — this is normal.

• If the dressing comes off before your next visit, there’s no need for replacement.

• Do not pull on the sutures if the dressing loosens or falls away.

• If still present at your follow-up, Dr. Ly will remove it for you.

No Smoking

Avoid smoking for at least 24–48 hours following surgery.
Smoking delays healing, increases the risk of infection, and can cause dry socket by dislodging the protective clot at the surgical site.

Questions or Concerns?

If you experience excessive pain, swelling, or bleeding — or have any concerns during recovery — contact Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry immediately.
Your comfort, safety, and healing are our priority.

At Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Please review these instructions carefully before your sedation appointment. Following them closely helps ensure your procedure goes smoothly and your recovery is comfortable.

Before Your Appointment

Eating & Drinking

• Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your appointment.

• If you eat or drink within 8 hours of your procedure, your appointment may need to be rescheduled for your safety.

• You may take your regular morning medications with a small sip of water, unless instructed otherwise by your dentist or physician.

Smoking

• Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before your procedure (longer if possible).

• Smoking negatively affects healing and increases the risk of complications.

• Be sure to discuss your smoking habits with Dr. Duong Ly before your appointment.

Clothing & Personal Preparation

• Wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that can be rolled above your elbows.

• Choose comfortable shoes.

• Remove all nail polish from one index finger or thumb — this allows us to monitor your oxygen levels accurately.

Escort Requirement

You must have a responsible adult escort with you on the day of your procedure. Your escort must:

• Accompany you to the office.

• Stay in the clinic during your procedure.

• Receive your post-operative instructions.

• Drive you home and stay with you for at least four hours after the procedure.

Important:

• Do not drive, operate machinery, or act as a caregiver for children on the day of your sedation.

• Even though modern sedation wears off quickly, your judgment and reflexes will still be affected for several hours.

Health Disclosures

• Please let our staff know if you use cannabis or recreational drugs — all information is confidential and only used to ensure your safety.

• Notify us immediately if you feel ill before your procedure (fever, sore throat, cough, stomach upset, etc.).

• If there is a chance you may be pregnant, please inform your provider.

After Your Sedation Appointment

Activity & Safety

• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after your procedure.

• Do not drive or operate any machinery until the next morning.

• If prescribed opioid pain medication (Percocet, Vicodin, Codeine, Oxycodone), you must not drive while taking it.

Diet & Hydration

• Follow the specific post-surgery diet instructions given for your procedure.

• After sedation, eat lightly — start with soft foods and small portions.

• Stay well hydrated with water, clear fluids, or ginger ale.

• If you feel nauseous, try ginger candies or ginger tea to settle your stomach.

Rest & Recovery

• Get plenty of rest after your procedure.

• Sleep with your head elevated (in a recliner or with extra pillows) to reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.

Questions or Concerns?

If you experience unusual symptoms, severe nausea, or any concerns during recovery, contact Twin City Smiles Family Dentistry right away.
We’re here to help you feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for