So I’m in temporaries, now what?
Yay! You have completed the first phase of your treatment toward a beautiful new smile. A few things to remember: Although your provisionals are designed to be a model for your definitive restorations, they will not feel like your final restorations, which will be smoother and more lifelike in appearance.
Your teeth may be sensitive to temperature and chewing with your provisionals, but this will subside after your final restorations are placed. Some patients experience a sensation of contraction and tightness with cold/hot food or beverages. This is normal; you will not experience this with your permanent restorations. Avoid eating hard foods or anything very chewy.
You will have some discomfort after your preparation appointment. Each patient will vary with the sensitivity they experience. We have found that this initial discomfort is easily relieved in most cases by taking 600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours as needed—not to exceed 3200 mg in a 24-hour period. If your sensitivity cannot be managed with ibuprofen, please call the doctor.
It’s extremely important to keep your gums as healthy as possible between your preparation and cementation appointments. The following regimen is essential: • You will be given a mouth rinse and to use, with refillable syringes to fill with this rinse that should be used at the gum line of your provisionals 3 to 4 times daily until your next appointment.
To avoid staining on your temporaries, limit the amount of rich colored foods and beverages, such as red wine, marinara sauce and berries.
If your bite feels “high” after the anesthetic wears off, please call for an adjustment. With time, a high temporary will bruise the ligament around the tooth and may cause it to become extremely sensitive.
I just got my new smile, when will I get used to it?
Remember that it will take time to adjust to the feel of your new bite. When the bite is altered or the position of the teeth is changed it takes several days for the brain to recognize the new position of your teeth or their thickness as normal. If you continue to detect any high spots or problems with your bite, call our office at 415-681-7001 so we can schedule an adjustment appointment.
Will I be sensitive?
It is normal to experience some hot and cold sensitivity. The teeth require some time to heal after removal of tooth structure and will be sensitive in the interim. Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one tablet of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 3-4 hours) should ease any residual discomfort.
Will it affect my speech?
Don’t be concerned if your speech is affected for the first few days. You’ll quickly adapt and be speaking normally. You may notice increased salivation. This is because your brain is responding to the new size and shape of your teeth. This should subside to normal in about a week.
How do I take care of my new smile?
Daily brushing and flossing are a must for your new dental work. Daily plaque removal is critical for the long-term success of your new teeth, as are regular cleaning appointments.
Can I eat the same things I used to?
Any food that can crack, chip or damage a natural tooth can do the same to your new teeth. Avoid hard foods and substances (such as beer nuts, peanut brittle, ice, fingernails, or pencils) and sticky candies. Smoking will stain your new teeth. Minimize or avoid foods that stain such as coffee, red wine, tea and berries.
If I’m active, will I need a mouthguard?
If you engage in sports let us know so we can make a custom mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we have provided for you. Adjusting to the look and feel of your new smile will take time. If you have any problems or concerns, please let us know. We always welcome your questions.
