Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
Many patients wonder if they will get a temporary tooth while waiting for their dental implant to heal. In most cases, you receive a temporary tooth that fills the space, supports the gums, and protects the surgical site as the implant integrates with the bone. The type of temporary used depends on factors such as bone quality, gum health, and the position of the missing tooth.
Table of Contents
- How Temporary Teeth Support Healing
- Types of Temporaries During Implant Treatment
- How To Support Your Implant During Healing
- Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
- FAQs
How Temporary Teeth Support Healing
A dental implant needs time to integrate with the bone. During this period, the site cannot handle chewing forces. A temporary tooth fills the space, protects the gum shape, and allows you to speak and smile normally.
Types of Temporaries During Implant Treatment
Every temporary tooth plays a role in supporting the implant and guiding the gum tissue. We choose the option that protects the site and helps set up a strong base for the final restoration.
Flippers
A flipper is a lightweight removable acrylic appliance with a tooth attached. It offers several short-term benefits during implant healing.
- Easy cleaning: You can clean the surgical area thoroughly without placing pressure on the implant.
- Aesthetic coverage: It fills the space and maintains your appearance while the implant integrates.
- Useful for front teeth: The acrylic design provides a natural look and comfortable fit.
Flippers are not designed for strong biting forces, and hard or sticky foods can damage them.
Temporary Bridges
A temporary bridge attaches to the neighboring teeth rather than the implant. It provides a fixed, stable option during healing.
- Added stability: The bridge stays securely in place and feels comfortable.
- Protection for the implant: All pressure is directed to the supporting teeth, allowing the implant to heal without disturbance.
- Support for multiple spaces: A bridge can replace more than one tooth and helps maintain alignment.
Some temporary bridges may require minimal reshaping of the supporting teeth, depending on the design needed for stability.
Same-Day Temporary Crowns
Some patients qualify for a temporary crown placed on the implant the same day it is inserted. This depends on initial implant stability, bone quality, and the amount of chewing force in the area.
- Immediate appearance: The temporary fills the space right away, so there is no visible gap.
- Case specific: Not everyone qualifies, and the implant must be stable at placement for this option to be considered.
How To Support Your Implant During Healing
It takes 3–6 months for the implant to integrate with the bone. During this time, it is important that you protect the site by avoiding unnecessary force and maintaining consistent home care. Your daily habits play a direct role in how well the bone secures the implant.
Steps that support healing include:
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to keep pressure away from the implant.
- Choose softer foods during the early phase of healing.
- Brush gently around the area with a soft brush.
- Use the rinse prescribed to keep the tissue healthy.
- Avoid tobacco, which slows healing and affects bone strength.
- Limit alcohol during the early stages of recovery.
- Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Schedule a Dental Implant Consultation
If you are considering your tooth replacement options, a consultation can be a helpful way to learn how dental implants may fit your needs.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
Most patients receive a temporary tooth to cover the space while the implant heals. This allows you to speak and smile comfortably while the implant heals.
Implants can still be an option even with a long gap between the extraction and treatment. The bone in the area must be evaluated to confirm that it can support an implant, and additional procedures may be recommended if there has been significant bone loss.
Clearwater Dentistry in Greeley offers dental implants and implant restorations. To book an appointment, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
