Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots. Implants provide a stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that are created to match your natural teeth. Despite continued improvements in dental care, millions of Americans still suffer tooth loss, mostly from tooth decay, periodontal disease, or injury. For many years, the only treatment options available for missing teeth were bridges and dentures. Now dental implants are available. A dental implant is a tooth replacement restoration that looks and acts like a natural tooth. It consists of a titanium metal post surgically placed in the jawbone with a dental crown attached to replace the missing tooth. The dental crown is made to match your remaining natural teeth perfectly.
A concern for those considering a dental implant is if they will be left with a gap during the implant healing process. This is especially concerning if it is a front tooth. Fortunately, there are several options during this time.
The Dental Implant Process
Having the dental implant placed in stages is necessary to protect your oral health and to ensure the implant heals correctly. Implants usually follow the standard process after the initial consultation that include these implant surgery steps:
* Assessment- A thorough assessment must be done to evaluate the space and the jawbone density to see if a dental implant is suitable. In some situations, bone grafting may be needed before an implant can be placed.
* The implant surgery- The dental implant is surgically placed into your jawbone.
* Healing time- This could take up to six months for the bone to heal and the implant fuse, bond and grow into the bone so it becomes secure and stable.
* Placing the abutment- After the healing time, the dental implant is exposed, and an abutment or extension is added to the post to reach the surface. The abutment is the part of the implant that attaches the titanium post to the dental crown.
* Placement of the dental crown- The last step is attaching the custom designed dental crown to the abutment.
Why is the Healing Time so Long?
There are extended healing periods where you will have an area in your mouth which will need to be protected. While you may leave the implant site uncovered, many patients opt for dental solutions which add protection to the implant area and provide a better aesthetic in filling the gap.
It is absolutely crucial for the success of the implant to allow enough time for the bone to grow around the dental implant. It must be secure in the jawbone to withstand the forces of biting and chewing and to have long-term success. The healing time it takes for the dental implant will vary from patient to patient.
Temporary tooth-replacement options
Many people want to know about their options for a temporary tooth during the healing period while they wait to receive their final crown. If the tooth being restored is in the back of the mouth, it is not as much of a concern as it is not visible. However, if the implant is being placed in the front of the mouth, a temporary tooth can be used to cover the gap. There are several options available for this.
* Flipper denture- Also called an acrylic removable partial denture. It looks like a retainer but has an artificial tooth attached that will fill the gap.
* Essix retainer- A translucent plastic retainer that fits over the top of your adjoining natural teeth and has an artificial tooth to fill the space.
* Temporary bridge- This is usually made of acrylic. It involves using the adjoining teeth to bridge the space with an artificial tooth suspended in between.
* Immediate temporary crown- Occasionally, an immediate temporary crown can be placed on the day of or shortly after the placement of the implant. Not everyone is a candidate for this option.
Each temporary tooth option comes with different benefits as well as costs. If the missing tooth is in the back of the mouth, you may simply decide that a temporary tooth is not necessary. If transitioning from a denture to a dental implant, your existing denture might be worn during the healing process. You will be able to discuss your options with your dental implant team to produce a personal treatment plan that is best for you.
Foods To Avoid While Waiting for Your Dental Implant
During the different healing stages, you will need to alter your diet to accommodate the healing concerns of your dental implant. Some of the main kinds of foods to avoid are:
* Hot foods because your implant site will be sensitive.
* Do not use a straw at all.
* Avoid alcoholic beverages.
* Hard nuts.
* Popcorn.
* Hard snacks like crackers, chips, carrots.