All You Need to Know About Getting Temporary Teeth

Opting for All-on-4® implants in Poway or any nearby area is a bold step towards a brighter, more confident smile, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit anxious about the journey ahead. One of the key stages in this process involves getting your temporary teeth. 

These are not just placeholders; they are a crucial part of your healing journey. Fitted the same day of the surgery, they help you maintain your smile, speech, and ability to eat comfortably while your permanent implants are getting ready. Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate and make the most of this important time.

Is there a difference between a temporary and permanent prosthesis?

There are some major distinctions between temporary and a permanent prosthesis:

Temporary Prosthesis

A temporary prosthesis is often used when a permanent one can’t be placed right away. This temporary bridge offers patients both functional and aesthetic replacements for missing teeth during the same appointment as their dental implant surgery. As the name suggests, a temporary prosthesis is designed for short-term use, typically lasting no more than six months.

Final Prosthesis

On the other hand, a final prosthesis is made to be durable and to provide the patient with an attractive, functional smile. It’s typically made from high-quality materials like porcelain, zirconia or acrylic resin, with an abutment that connects them securely to dental implants.

How to care for your temporary teeth?

Here’s what you need to know: 

Treat bleeding with gauze

If you notice bleeding after dental implant surgery, apply firm pressure directly to the site. Use a gauze pad folded into quarters and either bite down or press it firmly against the area. You may need to do this multiple times. While the bleeding should stop within 2-3 hours, you might see some blood-tinged saliva for up to 48 hours. If the bleeding is heavy or persists beyond 24 hours, contact your doctor.

Reduce swelling

• First 24 hours after surgery: Apply ice packs to your face in 20-minute intervals to prevent tissue injury. If surgery was on both sides of your face, alternate the ice pack between sides every 20 minutes. This helps effectively reduce swelling, which typically peaks two days post-surgery. To further minimize swelling, sit semi-reclined or keep your head elevated with 2-3 pillows while lying down. Make sure you stop using ice after 24 hours.

• One day after surgery: Applying warm, moist compresses to any swollen areas can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. You can do this for one to two hours at a time over the next week or as long as swelling persists.

Diet

• Immediately following All-on-4® implant procedure: Once you’re back home, start with something easy to eat, like a milkshake or smoothie, using a spoon instead of a straw. Keep your food cool and soft for the day. Local anesthesia might numb your mouth for a while, making it hard to feel heat, so be careful with hot foods and drinks to avoid burns.
• Next several weeks and months: As your All-on-4® dental implants settle in, take it easy with the chewing—those temporary teeth aren’t quite ready for that. Crunchy and crackly foods are off the menu for now. Instead, go for softer, gentler choices like pancakes, your favorite pastas, or some nicely cooked fish. You can still enjoy lots of other dishes too, just make sure they’re soft. like chopped salads and steamed vegetables. 

Rinsing

Starting two days after your treatment, make a soothing rinse by mixing half a teaspoon of salt with about 4 to 5 ounces of warm water. Swish gently around your mouth four to six times a day. Remember to keep it gentle—avoid any strong mouthwashes as they can irritate the surgical areas.

Brushing and flossing

After your procedure, feel free to brush your temporary teeth, but please avoid brushing or flossing directly around the gum areas where you have stitches. Wait until these stitches have fully dissolved, which could take several weeks. 

It’s normal to notice some blood on your toothbrush during this time. Once a few weeks have passed and your mouth has healed, consider using floss or a gentle waterpik to maintain the cleanliness of your All-on-4® temporary teeth.

Physical activity

Take it easy for the first 48 hours. Give yourself a break from exercise until at least five days post-op. When you do start moving again, ease into it. Listen to your body—if you feel weak, it’s a sign you might need a bit more downtime. Healing is your priority, so avoid rough sports or activities that could risk damage to your new teeth and implants.

Smoking or vaping

Due to the adverse effects of nicotine, smoking or vaping after your implant procedure can seriously slow down your healing process and might even lead to implant failure. Besides, it could also stain your new temporary teeth. Do your best to avoid smoking for at least five days post-surgery to give your body a chance to heal properly.

Follow-up visits

For the best healing results, it’s really important that you make it to all your scheduled follow-up appointments with your All-on-4® dental implant specialist. These visits help ensure everything is on track and healing well.

What are some misconceptions about All-on-4® dental implants?

To ease your concerns and ensure you’re well-informed, let’s debunk some common myths about the treatment:

1. It’s too painful: In reality, the procedure is almost pain-free. The most you might experience is some discomfort and swelling afterwards.
2. It’s too complicated: In fact, it’s simpler than you might think. The procedure is minimally invasive and generally involves just a single surgery. 
3. It looks unnatural: Not at all! Dental specialists meticulously design each prosthetic tooth to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring your smile looks completely natural and seamless.
4. Age restrictions: The truth is, this treatment can be suitable for a wide range of ages, as long as the patient meets other important health criteria.
5. It’s too expensive: While it’s true that this isn’t the cheapest option, it’s lifetime investment that doesn’t need to be replaced or refitted.

Who offers the best All-on-4® dental implants in Poway & the area?

Ready to give your smile a makeover and boost your confidence? Temecula Dental Implants & Oral Surgery is here to help! Under the care of Dr. Tsvetov, you’ll receive both expert guidance and a supportive ear. Every appointment, no matter the challenge, is a step toward perfect oral health. So, why wait? If you’re in Poway or any of the nearby areas, get in touch with us and take charge of your dental health.