How Can I Cover My Missing Teeth While Waiting for the Implant?
Are you thinking of getting dental implants to replace you’re missing teeth? It’s good that you first understand how the procedure works. Even though implants are good tooth replacement options fitting them may take a series of steps that may take time to complete fully. Since fitting dental implants requires time and patience, your dentist must provide temporary teeth replacement options as you wait for your dental implants to be ready. We will discuss dental implants, their benefits, and how our dentist in Delta, BC, can issue you temporary teeth replacements to cover your missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
Although natural teeth are meant to serve us for a lifetime, various factors can cause them to fall out earlier than expected. If you lose a tooth, it’s recommended to have it replaced as soon as possible. With various options to choose from, you shouldn’t have a problem finding an artificial tooth replacement option to suit your needs.
Dental implants are a good tooth replacement option as they can last for an extended period with low maintenance. The artificial tooth replacement fills the gap left by your missing tooth, function, and resemble a natural tooth, improving your smile and teeth functionality. They are robust and provide more than enough biting pressure for chewing. They are also stable and won’t fall out easily.
A standard dental implant constitutes a titanium post that resembles a screw. The post has a smaller piece called an abutment for attaching to other dental devices. Dental professionals often attach a dental crown on the abutment for additional support. The dental crown resembles a natural tooth in size, color, and shape, so it won’t be easy to distinguish it from a natural tooth.
How Long Does It Take for Your Dentist to Fit You With Dental Implants?
Dental implant fitting follows a series of multiple steps that may take up to a year. Your dentist will inspect your mouth to see if you are a good candidate for dental implants. After the dental checkup, they’ll place the dental implant posts deep into the jawbone.The dentist will then attach the abutments before proceeding to the final step, which is attaching dental crowns to the abutments.
First, your dentist must cut into your gums during the first stages of treatment, which will require time for the wound to heal completely. You also have to wait for a while for osseointegration to take place. Osseointegration is a process that involves the post-fusing with the jaw and gum tissue which helps make the implants stable. If your dentist finds your jawbone too weak, they may recommend bone grafting to strengthen it before treatment. This will further delay recovery as you’ll have to heal from the bone graft before getting dental implants.
How to Cover Your Missing Teeth as You Wait for Your Dental Implants
Since the restorative dental therapy can take months, patients are usually forced to wear temporary teeth replacements to cover their missing teeth. Here are a few common examples:
Temporary Dental Bridge
So as not to leave your missing tooth socket exposed for months, your dentist may recommend a temporary dental bridge to cover the tooth gap as you wait for your permanent dental implants. The dental bridge, although temporary, will help you improve your smile as you wait for the implant fitting process to finish. After a few months, your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and replace it with a permanent crown.
Temporary Dental Crown
Alternatively, your dentist may opt to use a temporary dental crown to cover your missing tooth as you wait for your dental implants. The temporary crowns are usually made of acrylic plastic and are cemented in place. They are aesthetically pleasing and resemble natural teeth. You should avoid using the crowns when chewing on hard solid food as they are not as stable as permanent crowns, so they may come off.
Flipper
A flipper is a removable retainer that’s quite common in people scheduled for dental implants. They have temporary teeth and fit into the space left behind by missing teeth. They snap over existing teeth for support. Patients are recommended to remove their flippers when eating or when cleaning them.
Conclusion
Although dental implants are durable and practical, fitting them can take long leaving your missing tooth exposed. Fortunately, there are various ways we can cover the missing tooth or teeth as you wait for your dental implants. Visit Precision Dentistry for excellent and affordable dental services near Delta, BC. We have years of experience offering dental care services and accept different modes of payment to make it easier for our patients to access quality dental care.