Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
Dental implants are a highly coveted form of tooth replacement technology; strong, attractive, and durable, they are an ideal solution to the common problem of missing teeth. Unlike conventional dentures, which tend to float around in the mouth precisely when you want them to stay put, dental implants always remain firmly in place because they are physically implanted into the jaw.
While this is an attractive benefit of dental implants, it also occasions one of the less attractive parts of the dental implant process: the healing stage following the initial surgery during which the implants are placed, which can last anywhere from two to four months. For some, a temporary tooth to fill the gap left after surgery is practically a requirement. Happily for those folks, there are some options to consider in a temporary tooth while waiting for the next phase of the dental implant process.
Installing Dental Implants, Step by Step
Replacing every part of a missing tooth from the root to the crown, the placement of dental implants is a carefully orchestrated process that requires not only considerable planning, but also an extended period of healing time following the initial surgical procedure.
First, a thin metal post made of titanium is placed into the jawbone during oral surgery. This piece, called the implant fixture, is the primary support piece of the dental implant, and the part that must be left alone to fuse with the jaw over at least six weeks if not longer. For some patients, this healing period could take as long as four or five months; it depends on overall health as well as the body’s ability to heal itself following surgical intervention.
Only after the implant fixture has fully fused with the bone of the jaw can the dental implant process proceed, which includes attaching a connecting piece called an abutment to the top of the implant fixture and then, when the soft tissues of the gums have healed sufficiently, finally connecting the prosthetic crown or other implant-retained appliance to the abutment.
Temporary Tooth Options Following Dental Implant Surgery
As such, there is a period of two to four months during which the crown of the tooth is missing from the patient’s mouth. Depending on the part of the mouth in which the implant is being installed, this gap could create a cosmetic or other problem for the patient. For those cases, there are some options for temporary teeth that can be utilized during the healing stage. They include the following:
Removable Partial Denture
A removable partial denture, also referred to as a “flipper,” is a fairly common temporary tooth solution for this and other situations in which a patient does not wish to go without a tooth while a replacement is being created or placed. Flippers can consist of a single or multiple teeth adhered to a small acrylic base much like a retainer that can be removed at any time. Flippers can be a good cosmetic stand in and can withstand some pressure, though you’ll want to take care not to attempt to eat any particularly hard or tough foods while wearing one, as it could put undue pressure on the surgical site.
Post-Op Retainer
Post-op retainers can also serve a similar purpose. In this case, the temporary tooth is built into a clear plastic retained that fits over one’s existing teeth. Also referred to as an Essix retainer, these are not meant to be used during eating or drinking anything other than water, as this can contribute to the formation of cavities and other oral problems.
Temporary Bridge
In some cases, a temporary bridge can also provide a solution. Unlike retainers, bridges rely on the structure and support of neighboring teeth to support prosthetics. While fixed (permanent) bridges usually require these teeth to be shaved down somewhat to promote better adhesion, temporary bridges can be achieved without causing damage to the natural teeth that surround the missing tooth. In this case, as well, one would want to take care to avoid particularly hard or tough foods while the temporary bridge is in place, as it could become dislodged with the application of too much pressure.
Temporary Prosthetic Crown
Finally, in limited cases, a temporary prosthetic crown can be added to a newly placed implant. Also referred to as “same day implants,” the crowns that are utilized in this case are meant to be temporary and are not designed to receive the same amount of chewing force or pressure that the eventual prosthetic crown will be able to handle. Putting too much pressure on a temporary implant crown can also cause damage to the implant itself, which should be avoided at all costs. For those who are suitable candidates for a temporary crown, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions regarding what you should and should not do with the temporary crown in place.