Dental Implant Temporary Tooth
While dental implants are a great solution for replacing lost teeth, patients are often concerned that they will be left with a missing tooth throughout the treatment process. This is especially true for people that have lost one of their front teeth. Fortunately, there are temporary options available that can be utilized while patients wait for their permanent replacement teeth.
Dental Implants: An Overview
A type of permanent restoration that can only be removed by a dentist, dental implants are an ideal solution for patients that have lost one or more teeth. The devices are comprised of a small metal post or rod that is surgically placed directly into the patient’s jawbone, an abutment (connecting piece), and a prosthetic crown which mounts on top of the abutment. The metal rod serves as replacement tooth roots and the crown is matched to the color of the patient’s natural teeth. Since implants interact directly with the jawbone, they offer superior feel, function and aesthetics when compared to other restoration options such as dental bridges or dentures.
Process for Obtaining Dental Implants
The procedure for getting dental implants involves multiple visits to the dentist, surgery, and a healing period after surgery.
- Initial Evaluation: The process starts with the dentist or oral surgeon conducting a thorough evaluation of the patient’s jawbone and the space created by the missing tooth (or teeth). If the patient lacks sufficient jawbone area required to place a dental implant, an additional bone grafting procedure may first be necessary prior to implant surgery.
- Implant Surgery: Performed while the patient is under anesthesia, surgery to place the implant begins by making an incision into the patient’s gum to place the metal post into the jawbone. Often, the procedure is done on an outpatient basis which allows the patient to return home after the procedure.
- Healing Period: After the implant has been placed, time is needed to allow the wound to heal. During this time, the implant and jawbone fuse together through a process called osseointegration. The time required to heal will vary by patient but typically takes several months to fully complete. Proper fusion is vital to the long-term success and effectiveness of the implant. If not adequately secure in the jawbone, the implant will not hold up to the forces of chewing.
- Placing the Abutment: Once properly healed, a second surgical procedure is performed to place the abutment. This involves exposing the implant post and placing a healing cap (in some instances, the healing cap is placed simultaneously with the implant). The abutment acts as a connector between the implant and prosthetic replacement crown.
- Placing the Crown: During the final step in the process, the crown is mounted onto the abutment. This signifies completion of the procedure, and the patient is left with a permanent replacement for the missing teeth.
Temporary Tooth Options While Healing
Often, patients want a temporary tooth option while the heal from surgery and await their permanent implant. Temporary tooth replacement options include:
- A Flipper Denture: Acrylic removable partial dentures, also called flipper dentures, resemble a retainer but have a prosthetic tooth attached to close the gap left by the missing tooth. The devices either rest on the lower jaw or fit along the palate (roof of mouth). One advantage of flipper dentures is they tend to be less expensive than other types of dentures. They are also easy to make, have a natural appearance, and can help stabilize the patients remaining teeth.
- Temporary Bridge: Commonly made of acrylic, a temporary bridge attaches to the teeth adjacent the gap and has a prosthetic tooth to close the gap. Temporary bridges are used to guard the gums and exposed teeth while a permanent restoration is being manufactured.
- Essix Retainer: These clear, plastic retainers rest on top of the patient’s remaining teeth and also include a prosthetic tooth to close the gap left by a lost tooth. Often, these devices are used to maintain the results of braces or clear aligner treatments. Ranging in cost between $150 to $500, Essix retainers are amongst the more inexpensive retainer types available on the market.
- Immediate Temporary Crown: In some cases, an immediate temporary crown is placed either simultaneously with dental implants or shortly after. Patients should note that not everyone is a candidate for this device. Besides differences in cost, there pros and cons to each temporary option. Should a patient be missing teeth in the back of the mouth, they may opt to forgo any temporary replacement options. Patients should discuss their options ahead of time with their dentist to select the best course of action.