Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
One of the reasons dental implants are such a popular dental restoration option is that they stimulate the growth of healthy bone in the jaw and support the existing bone, helping to maintain the overall structure and strength of the jaw. This occurs when the implant heals into the surrounding bone, fusing with the bone in a process called osseointegration. Osseointegration takes a few months to occur, though. Does this mean that dental implant recipients need to go without a tooth, or multiple teeth, as their implants heal? Thankfully, it doesn’t; there are quite a few options that you can use as your implant heals.
Dental implant treatment usually requires two separate procedures. In the first procedure, the surgeon drills a small hole into the bone in the jaw. Then, they place the dental implant fixture, which is a small cylindrical post, into the hole, and they cover the surgical site with gum tissue and give it time to heal. Once the implant post has healed into the bone, the second procedure takes place. During the second surgical procedure, the surgeon exposes the top of the implant and fits a healing cap on the implant, allowing the gum tissue to heal in the correct shape. Then, the dentist places a connector, called an abutment, onto the implant and attaches the dental crown, or replacement tooth, onto the abutment.
Placing dental implants in stages helps protect and preserve the patient’s oral health, in addition to ensuring that the implant heals properly. The first step in the dental implant procedure is a consultation, in which the health of the patient’s jaw and gums is assessed, their medical history is reviewed, and an impression of their teeth and gums is made. Then, first surgery occurs, and the dental implant is placed. Dental implants are usually made of titanium, though there are some alternative materials that can be used. When the implant is placed in the lower jaw, the patient will then need about 4 to 5 months to heal. When the implant is placed in the upper jaw, the healing time takes a bit longer -- usually 6 to 7 months. This extended healing time allows the implant to fully fuse with the bone, a process that helps it become as supportive and durable as an actual tooth root. Once the implant and bone have healed together, the surgeon will expose the top of the implant and place a healing cap over it. This healing cap helps shape the gums properly so they can accommodate an abutment and a prosthetic tooth, which will be placed after the tissue around the healing cap has had about a month to 6 weeks to fully heal.
During the period when the implant and the bone are healing together, creating a strong, stable support for the dental crown, your dentist can provide you with a temporary tooth for you to wear. If your dental implants are toward the back of your mouth, in an area that is not easily visible, you may not need a temporary tooth. If your dental implants are in the front of your mouth, however, you may not want to spend a few months with a visibly absent tooth. Your dentist may choose to provide you with a temporary bridge to wear while your jaw and gums heal. A temporary bridge uses the teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth to support a bridge that contains a prosthetic tooth. This temporary bridge can be easily removed when it is time to add the abutment and crown. Because a temporary bridge is a reasonably strong temporary option, patients may find that they have more flexibility with the foods they can eat while wearing one. Another temporary option is a temporary crown, which may be used instead of a healing cap, and which helps the gum tissue heal in the proper shape to accommodate the permanent crown. While you may not have as much freedom to chew freely on a temporary crown, you will have the benefit of being able to see what your teeth will look like when the restoration is complete. Another option is a dental flipper, which is a device that resembles a retainer with a prosthetic tooth attached to it. This retainer fits over the area where the tooth is missing and must be removed for eating and cleaning.
While each temporary tooth option differs, there are some general rules to observe while waiting for a dental implant to heal and a permanent restoration to be placed. It is recommended that patients avoid hot foods while healing, as the site of the dental implant may be sensitive to heat. Patients should also avoid hard, crunchy foods like crackers and carrots, as well as foods that have a hull or husk that can be trapped between the gum and the implant, like nuts and popcorn. Patients are advised to avoid using straws, and they should also limit or eliminate consumption of alcohol as the implant heals; both of these can lead to inflammation and infection at the implant site. It is also important to refrain from smoking while the implant heals, as this can also contribute to adverse reactions like implant failure. Staying well hydrated helps patients heal faster, and maintaining the cleanliness of the implant area can help ensure the success of the implant. Your dentist will provide you with additional aftercare instructions as needed for your specific situation.