Temporary Tooth While Waiting for a Dental Implant
Have you recently been considering a dental implant, but not sure how the whole process works? And what about that several month waiting period? The good news is that dental implant treatment is one of the most popular tooth replacement treatments available. This popularity means that most providers have the treatment streamlined to provide you the best experience. This includes offering temporary tooth replacement options while you wait for your gums to heal around the implant. If you have questions about the dental implant treatment and the treatment process, below is more information for you.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a popular tooth replacement option where a metal or ceramic post is surgically installed in the jawbone. This post acts like the root of a natural tooth, providing stability and security to the new replacement tooth. The artificial crown that will be placed on top is made to match the surrounding natural teeth perfectly.
The Dental Implant Treatment Process
Dental implant treatment occurs in several stages. This several step treatment below is the standard, with the required healing period between the installation of the implant and the fitting of the crown or restoration. After the consultation visit, the follow steps usually occur:
- Implant surgery to place the implant post in the jawbone.
- Healing period: after the implant is placed, a several month (4-7) healing period is required to allow time for the implant to fuse with the jawbone.
- Temporary tooth: Sometimes, providers will want to place a healing cap over the dental implant post to help the gums heal in the correct shape. Depending on several factors, a provider may want to install the abutment and a temporary crown instead of the healing cap.
- Crown placement: After the healing period, the permanent dental crown will be placed on the abutment and the process is complete.
Getting a Temporary Tooth While Waiting for a Dental Implant
While there are several steps of the dental implant treatment, typically the treatment only requires two procedures. During the first procedure, an oral surgeon drills a hole in the jawbone, and then places the implant post into the hole. Then a healing period must take place where the patient waits for the implant to fuse with the jawbone. During the second procedure the oral surgeon fits the abutment piece onto the implant, and then attaches the crown. Many people want to know what they are supposed to do with a missing tooth during the several month healing period between the two procedures. Fortunately, there are several options for a temporary tooth while the patient waits between these two procedures. If the tooth being replaced is in the back of the mouth, it is not as much of a concern to not have a temporary replacement. However, if the implant is placed in the front of the mouth, some patients may want to use a temporary tooth to cover the gap. Fortunately, there are several options available for this temporary tooth. The best place to start is to speak with your dentist about which option is best for your specific situation prior to the start of your implant treatment process.
Temporary Tooth-Replacement Options
Many patients interested in dental implant treatment are concerned about the several month healing period where they will have to wait before their treatment is complete. Fortunately, there are many options for temporarily replacing a missing tooth or several missing teeth during the implant treatment process. Here are a few:
- Temporary bridge – Unlike a permanent dental bridge, the teeth surrounding the implant will not be disturbed to place the temporary bridge. The nearby teeth will be used to anchor the bridge, but it will be removed when the abutment and crown are added. With a temporary bridge, you will have full eating and speaking function while you wait for your artificial crown.
- Temporary crown – One option is to choose between the healing cap and having a temporary crown placed. The temporary crown will restore the look of the smile and will look very similar to the permanent crown that will eventually be placed.
- Dental Flipper – Another popular option is a dental flipper, which is similar to a temporary denture with a false tooth attached to it. Placing a temporary tooth on a retainer, the flipper can be easily worn over the area where the implant post is healing. Unfortunately, it is not recommended to eat with a flipper in, and the flipper must be removed every evening to be cleaned.