Care of Temporary Restorations

Brushing and flossing with temporary restorations

• Brush thoroughly, especially around gum line, three times a day.
• Brushing and flossing with gusto is necessary to keep the tissue from bleeding on the cementation.
• Bleeding increases the chance that the restoration might need to be redone, and invites post-operative sensitivity, as well recurrent decay and gum disease. It could even result in the need for a root canal.
• Flossing daily, pulling the floss out from the side, not up from between the teeth, as this will dislodge the temporary.
• Use a bridge threader to get the floss between splinted temporaries.
• Thoroughly floss under the pontics (artificial teeth) each day, so they will not collect debris and odors.

Preventing damage to your temporary restorations

• Avoid sticky foods and chewing gum, as they will dislodge the temporary; so will toothpicks and interdental stimulators.
• Avoid chewing hard substances like candy, hard bread, tough meat or ice. These could break the temporary, or worse yet, the tooth.
• Bleaching solution and some peroxide toothpastes can turn temporaries an orange color. Don’t concern yourself; this does not harm the temporary restoration. However, avoid peroxide toothpastes, if possible.

Managing problems

• If a temporary comes out, loosens or breaks, please call us immediately. These occurrences can allow the tooth to drift, causing problems with the bite and the contacts between the teeth. Loose temporaries, if not addressed immediately, may require the case to be made over, and often results in root canals.
• If you have any questions, problems or concerns, please call our office. Our Number One concern is your dental well-being.