Missing teeth can be a cause of great discomfort, are considered visually unappealing, and can affect self-confidence.
As experts in implant dentistry, Marylebone Implant Centre understand the frustration of waiting months for newly-placed dental implants to fuse to the bone – so, this is where temporary tooth replacement options come in.
After all, the sooner you’re smiling your best smile, the better!
Who is Eligible for Temporary Tooth Replacement?
As every case is different, you will only know if you are suitable for a temporary dental treatment after a consultation with our implant dentist.
However, generally speaking, a good candidate for an immediate implant, or other temporary solution, would be those with:
- Remaining natural teeth that can support a fixed solution, like a temporary bridge or temporary crowns
- Good bone levels in the jaw to support an immediate implant tooth (or teeth)
- Uncomplicated circumstances with no complicating factors, such as extensive trauma or gum (periodontal) disease
This is by no means an exhaustive list but for patients with good oral health and a big occasion on the horizon, a temporary solution could work for you if you would rather avoid removable dentures during your healing period.
WHICH TEMPORARY TOOTH REPLACEMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME?
For patients seeking dental implants in London, there is an interim healing period, where the implants must be left for approximately 3-6 months for the integration period.
During this time, a process called osseointegration occurs, allowing the implants to fuse permanently with the jawbone, forming new bone around the implant to anchor it in place.
At this time, the patient may choose to wear temporary teeth while osseointegration occurs. These restorations vary in type, based on the circumstances of each patient, but generally come in three categories:
- Fixed temporary teeth – These fixed solutions are often supported by the remaining teeth and include a temporary bridge or temporary crowns – which are best utilised for front-of-mouth treatment. These will need to be removed for cleaning and sleeping but can be personalised to help them blend in with natural teeth.
- Immediately supported temporary tooth replacement – Suitable for a new implant tooth to replace a single missing tooth or an entire arch implant placement, this treatment pathway is generally covered by dental implants, as is the case with Teeth in a Day dental implants. One of the major benefits of immediate implants is how much a temporary crown can resemble natural teeth.
- Removable temporary solutions – Most often in the form of removable dentures, these temporary tooth replacement options are ideal if tooth loss is extensive. If you aren’t sure which temporary tooth replacement options are right for you, try not to worry. This can be discussed in detail between you and your implantologist at the initial consultation and will go on to form part of the agreed treatment plan before treatment begins.
Learn more about the types of dental implants we offer at Marylebone Implant Centre.
How long will I have temporary tooth implants?
For most patients, temporary tooth restorations will only be needed for around 3-6 months, until the dental implant screws have fused with the jawbone successfully and new bone has grown around the insertion.
For some patients, if they need staggered or multiple treatments, this timeline could change marginally – but this will be confirmed with your dentist when your treatment plan is created, so you are always in the loop.
What do temporary implants feel like?
Many of our patients want to know what temporary implants or restorations feel like before they start treatment – we would too if we were in your position.
While it is difficult to give a general answer – as the sensation will differ significantly depending on the health and condition of the mouth and the type of temporary teeth utilised – we can assure that all restorations are designed to be durable and comfortable. For more details, browse our informational table below:
WHAT EFFECTS TEMPORARY TOOTH REPLACEMENT ELIGIBILITY?
While you may prefer one temporary restoration type over another, the best temporary tooth replacement for you will be decided by a number of factors, including:
- How many missing teeth you have
- The position of the missing teeth
- Your final treatment plan
- Personal health circumstances
All of which will be discussed with you as part of your consultation. If you have any questions or preferences about your temporary dental implants, this is the ideal time to raise them as your experienced dental practitioner will be able to explain there and then.
Can I eat and drink as normal with temporary dental implants?
For the period of time that you’re wearing your restoration, it may be necessary to tweak your normal diet slightly to remain comfortable and ease the transitionary period.
Common changes can include:
- Enjoying softer foods rather than choosing crunchier options – why not try roasting carrots and apples instead of eating them raw?
- Choosing foods that require less chewing – for example, swapping your sirloin steak for a slow-cooked or braised beef joint.
- Cutting larger or harder-to-bite options into bitesize pieces – including burgers and hot dogs.
- Selecting less sticky foods – especially when you don’t have immediate access or time for thorough cleaning.
- Picking options that won’t get stuck in your teeth – such as wholemeal instead of seeded bread or crisps instead of popcorn.
However, it is worth noting that once your dental implants are fitted, you should be able to enjoy all your old favourites again without limitation – so the changes will only ever be temporary!
Choose a dental implant temporary tooth with Marylebone Implant Centre
Here at MIC, our GDC-registered dentists have decades of experience fitting dental implant solutions for patients of all types.
As such, we pride ourselves on putting patients first, by providing the utmost care and transparency with patients before, after, and during treatment, and by giving clear and accessible treatment plans that include all fees and information on time scales.
With no hidden costs.