Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
Because dental implants are installed in stages, you may find yourself with a missing tooth or a gap in your smile where you are replacing a damaged tooth with a dental implant. If the missing tooth is bothering you or it is in a noticeable place in your smile, you can talk to the dentist about a temporary option you can use during the dental implant process.
The dental implant process takes place in multiple steps over the course of months to ensure that you will have your dental implant for a long time to come. After you and the dentist review your oral health and overall ability to heal from the procedures, your dental implant will go through the following stages:
- Surgical placement of the dental implant into the jaw bone.
- Allow 4-5 months for lower jaw implants and 6-7 months for upper jaw implants to heal in place. The bone will start to fuse with the post securing it in place and providing an artificial tooth root that functions like a natural one.
- An abutment will be placed on top of the implanted post just below the gums which will allow for the dental crown to attach to the implant. At this point, the dentist can use a temporary crown or a healing cap to protect the abutment and to help the gums maintain the correct shape.
- Permanent crown placement after 4-6 weeks of healing either through a screw or dental cement.
Once the permanent crown is attached to the dental implant, your new replacement tooth is ready to use and enjoy. You will not have the irritation that comes with dentures and you will have a more natural looking crown than a dental bridge. Most people will not be able to tell which tooth is your implant from your natural teeth if you don’t tell them. It is important during your dental implant process to follow the instructions from your dentist so you heal quickly and the implant is not compromised.
Protecting Your Healing Implant
After the dental implant is placed in your jaw and before the permanent crown is secured to it with the abutment, most people are not ready to have a missing tooth while their mouth heals. If their missing tooth is towards the back of their mouth, it is less noticeable and not as important to look into temporary solutions. When the tooth is at the front of their mouth, it not only helps keep their smile from having a gap, but it can prevent temporary lisps or problems eating. Before you start the dental implant process be sure to talk to the dentist about your temporary tooth options while your mouth heals. You will not want to rush the healing process so you can be sure your dental implant will remain in place for many years to come. A temporary crown is one of the options to help you transition during your dental implant process, but it may require you to change your diet and habits until the permanent crown is put into place. Here is a list of some of the temporary tooth options for you to discuss with the dentist:
Temporary Bridge
A temporary bridge is like a permanent bridge in that it relies on the surrounding teeth to keep the replacement tooth in place, but it does not damage those teeth like a permanent bridge does. It is a relatively sturdy option and it will allow you to chew better than if you did not have it.
Temporary Crown
The dentist can use a healing cap or a temporary crown after the abutment is placed on top of the implanted post. The temporary crown will not be as aesthetically ideal as your permanent crown, but it will give you an idea of what your final result will be.
Flipper
A retainer-like piece holds a prosthetic tooth in place where your implant is healing. This option will need to be removed while eating and it needs to be cleaned every evening like dentures.
None of the temporary tooth options is as ideal as your permanent dental implant will be and they will add to the final cost of your dental implant. If your missing tooth is at the back of your mouth or not visible when you smile, you may choose to go without a temporary tooth replacement. If you are moving from a partial or full denture to dental implants, you should be able to wear your old prosthetic until your permanent dental implant is complete.