Those who elect to use dental implants to stabilize dentures will find the healing period takes between four and six months. This lengthy period is necessary as the titanium screws placed in the gums connect to the jaw bone through a process referred to as osseointegration.
Will I be toothless while waiting for implant?
The good news is that you don’t need to be without your teeth while your dental implants heal, and there are options for temporary dental implant teeth. If you need implants to replace your molars, right at the back of your mouth, you might not need to have a temporary.
Temporary Functional Teeth Before Permanent Tooth Restorations on Implants
If you are thinking about getting implants to replace missing teeth, make sure you understand how the process works. While effective, this treatment requires a few steps and up to several months of waiting until complete. Because this process goes in stages, you may want to talk to us about temporary tooth options before fully replacing the missing natural tooth. Eventually, you can restore your smile and enjoy the full function of your mouth.
Waiting times and treatment length
With implants, there is a multistep process that can take up to months. The dentist first places the implants deep into the jawbone. Next, the dentist will attach the abutment, followed by the final step: getting the crowns. In the first two steps, the dentist must cut into the gum, requiring some healing time for the patient. Also, the implant and bone must fuse to provide stability for the implant. If the patient has poor bone growth or a thin jaw, a bone graft may be necessary.
Temporary bridge
Because it can be multiple months in between steps, the patient will be left with no tooth in the socket. To correct this, the dentist may recommend a temporary solution. A bridge can help the person maintain a full smile before the dentist can finish the implant process. To make a bridge, the dentist will place crowns over existing teeth adjacent to a gap. A temporary artificial tooth will fill in the space. The dentist will remove the bridge when it is time to place the permanent crown over the abutment.
Flipper
This is a common method for people who are getting an implant. It is a removable retainer with a temporary tooth on it. The tooth will fit into the space, and the retainer snaps over the existing teeth. The patient should remove the flipper when eating and to clean it.
Temporary crown
While waiting for implants, temporary crowns may be a good choice. It is usually made of acrylic-based plastic, and we cement it in place. The crown offers an aesthetically pleasing option. It will appear like a real tooth, though the patient should be cautious about eating hard foods.
Keep your full smile
If you are missing teeth, implants are a good option. You will have to wait for several months before completing the process. Fortunately, there are solutions to keep you from being toothless. Call us to talk about what makes sense for you.