Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
Have you wanted to know more about the dental implant process? Do you want to understand why the process takes so long from beginning to end? While you are replacing your missing tooth with a dental implant, you may choose to have a temporary tooth to prevent any time without a tooth. Take time to talk to the dentist about your temporary tooth options.
Can I get a temporary tooth while waiting for a dental implant?
From beginning to end, the dental implant process takes place in two steps, not including any procedures you need in order to be prepared for the dental implants. During the first procedure, the dentist will place the surgical post below your gums into your jaw bone. The dentist will need to screw a small hole in the bone to place the implant and the implants will heal into place. The jaw bone will heal and grow bone tissue around the implant giving it a secure base for the replacement tooth. It will take three to six months for the jaw bone to heal fully before the dentist can move to the next step.
Once your implant is healed in place in your jaw, the dentist will attach an abutment to the implanted post. The crown, or replacement tooth, will connect to the abutment where it is firmly attached to the implant. After this part of the procedure, you will have a permanent replacement tooth that looks and works like your natural teeth.
Many people are not looking forward to waiting up to six months to have a tooth to fill in the gap. Depending on where the missing tooth is in your mouth, the gap may be more or less noticeable. If the missing tooth is in the back of your mouth, you are less likely to want to address the hole with a temporary replacement. But if the tooth is at the front of your mouth, you may want a temporary tooth to help you speak more clearly and feel more confident. There are several options available to you for a temporary tooth and the dentist will be able to help you choose the best option for your unique needs.
Flipper denture
The first option for a temporary tooth replacement is a dental flipper; this is a device that looks like a flesh colored retainer with a tooth attached to it. Some people may refer to this as an acrylic removable partial denture. The artificial tooth attached to the flipper that will fill the space where your dental implant is healing.
Essix retainer
The second option is a retainer that covers the front of your teeth that will cover the gap of the missing tooth. It looks like a clip-on set of veneers. This clear plastic retainer fits over the top of your remaining natural teeth. The inside of the retainer has an artificial tooth where it needs to fill in space.
Temporary bridge
The third option is a temporary bridge that is usually made of acrylic. The dentist will use the teeth on either side of the gap to hold a false tooth in place. The adhesion of the temporary bridge is not permanent like a traditional bridge and it does not require permanent damage to the teeth on either side to remain in place.
Immediate temporary crown
Finally, some cases will allow for an immediate temporary can be placed on the implanted post. Depending on your case, the dentist may be able to do this the day the dentist places the implant or shortly after that procedure. This is not an option for everyone because it requires you and your mouth to be in good health. The best candidates are able to follow a very specific set of instructions on foods and drink to avoid until the permanent crown is set in place. The temporary crown should help you but not cause any problems with the healing of your dental implant into your jaw bone.
Of the different choices, you can review the pros and cons with the dentist. It is important to be clear about your priorities and your expectations so the dentist can help you choose the best temporary tooth. If you are changing from one tooth replacement option to a dental implant, you may be able to wear your old option until your dental implant is healed and ready. You do not need to worry about a missing tooth in the front of your mouth when you look to a dental implant to replace it. You even have options of temporary replacements so you do not have to go a day with a gap in your smile.