Will I be left without a tooth? The temporary tooth during implant treatment
It is often the first worry, especially for a front tooth: "Will I have to walk around with a gap in my smile?" The answer is almost always no. Between the extraction and the final tooth, several temporary solutions exist. The choice depends on the tooth concerned, on the bone and on how the implant is placed.
Why is there a waiting time?
After placement, the implant has to fuse with the bone: this is osseointegration. It usually takes two to four months in the lower jaw and three to six months in the upper jaw, sometimes longer when a bone graft or a sinus lift was needed. During this period the implant must not take excessive forces. The temporary tooth is therefore designed not to press on the implant, unless stability allows immediate loading.
The temporary options
| Option | For which situation | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Small removable plate with one tooth | Front tooth or several teeth | Simple and quick; taken out to eat and clean; must not press on the operated gum |
| Clear aligner-type tray with a tooth | Front tooth, short period | Very discreet; mainly worn during the day; not for chewing |
| Temporary bonded bridge | Front tooth between two healthy teeth | Fixed, without drilling the neighbouring teeth; bonded behind them |
| Existing bridge or crown | Tooth already part of a bridge | The bridge can sometimes be kept or adapted |
| Temporary tooth screwed onto the implant | Implant very stable at placement | Fixed from day one; must not touch the teeth of the opposite jaw |
| No temporary tooth | Molar, at the back of the mouth | Often the simplest: the gap is not visible |
For a molar, many patients choose not to wear a temporary tooth: the gap barely shows and healing is calmer.
A temporary tooth the same day: when is it possible?
When the implant is very stable at placement, a temporary tooth can be fixed onto it the same day or in the following days. It is adjusted so that it does not touch the lower teeth and is mainly for appearance and for shaping the gum. That decision is made during surgery, according to the stability measured. This is explained in the article Implant and tooth on the day of extraction.
Who makes the temporary tooth?
When your dentist refers you for the surgical part, it is often your dentist who makes the temporary tooth, then the final crown. The timing is coordinated so the temporary tooth is ready on the day of the extraction or placement. If you do not have a dentist, the temporary solution is arranged at the practice.
Good habits during the temporary phase
- Do not chew on the implant area, even with a fixed temporary tooth.
- Take out and clean a removable plate after every meal, and remove it at night if you were advised to.
- Report any temporary tooth that hurts the gum, moves or presses on the operated area.
- Attend the check-ups, especially after a graft: the temporary tooth is sometimes adjusted during healing.
Frequently asked questions
How long will I wear a temporary tooth?
Usually three to six months, sometimes longer after a bone graft. Your timeline is explained at the consultation.
Can I work with a temporary tooth?
Yes. Temporary solutions for front teeth are designed so you can keep a normal social and working life.
Is the temporary tooth included in the price of the implant?
The estimate lists what is included. When your dentist makes the temporary tooth, it appears on their own estimate. See Cost of a dental implant in Belgium.
Why can't I have a fixed tooth straight away?
Because the implant first has to fuse with the bone. An immediate fixed tooth is only considered if the implant is stable enough and the situation allows it.
In short
- For a visible tooth there is almost always a temporary solution: removable plate, tray, bonded bridge or tooth on the implant.
- The temporary tooth must not press on the implant while it fuses with the bone.
- For a molar, going without a temporary tooth is often the simplest option.
- The solution is chosen at the consultation, together with your dentist when they referred you.
See also: From consultation to final tooth.
Sources
- Gallucci GO et al. Implant placement and loading protocols in partially edentulous patients: a systematic review. Clin Oral Implants Res, 2018.
This article is general information. Only a consultation can determine which solution suits your situation.
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