If you are getting dental implants in Guelph, there is usually a waiting period between the first and second procedures to place the permanent crown. During this period, you will need a temporary option to fill the space of your missing tooth, and we want it to look good. Fortunately, there are several temporary dental options to use until you are ready to get your implants.
Why Would You Need a Temporary Tooth Option?
After your tooth is lost or extracted, there are two most common reasons to choose a temporary option.
- Appearance—No one wants to be uncomfortable with space in their smile.
- Function—you still need to be able to chew and speak without getting obstructed.
- Protection—it protects the implant site with no active squishing against it and prevents the surrounding teeth from moving out of place and closing the gap.
You can think of these temporary options as a bridge until your permanent implant crown is placed.
What are The Most Common Temporary Tooth Replacement Options?
While you are waiting for our final implant restoration, a dentist in Guelph may suggest the following one or more options:
- Flipper tooth—This is a lightweight, removable acrylic tooth attached to a retainer that clips into place.
- Essix retainer with tooth—An Essix is a clear retainer that holds the replacement tooth in the right place.
- Temporary bridge—a temporary implant crown is fixed in place on the neighbouring teeth.
- Snap-on smile—A full or partial arch that is removable and covers your teeth and the space where the tooth is being replaced.
Whatever the case, you can be sure that we will provide one of these options to make it comfortable while allowing you to maintain your daily life worry-free about your missing tooth.
How Do Temporary Options Work?
Here’s a brief overview of how some options work while you are healing from your implant:
| Temporary Option | How It Works | Benefits |
| Flipper Tooth | Clips into place with a small clasp | Affordable, quick to make |
| Essix Retainer with Tooth | Clear tray fits over your teeth with a replacement tooth inside | Discreet look, easy to remove |
| Temporary Bridge | Cemented to adjacent teeth | Stable, no removal needed |
| Snap-On Smile | Covers the entire smile with thin resin | Hides multiple imperfections |
A dentist near you will be able to help you pick the option that meets your comfort level, aesthetic goal, and lifestyle.
What Is a Temporary Dental Prosthesis?
A temporary dental prosthesis is an appliance used to replace a missing tooth or teeth for a short period of time. It is meant to give the appearance of a full smile and allow for appropriate function while you’re waiting for your permanent restoration. Generally, temporary prostheses are acrylic, resin, or more lightweight materials that are easier and more comfortable to adjust than permanent options.
How Long Will You Need to Wear a Temporary Solution?
Most dental implants have a healing period of three to six months, during which your dentist will monitor the ability of the bone to integrate with the implant post. While undergoing this healing period, the temporary replacement will:
- Protect the surrounding teeth and space in your mouth
- Help you eat and sometimes speak
- Ensure that you feel socially and professionally confident
How to Take Care of Your Temporary Tooth?
Keeping your temporary option in good condition will require you to:
- Clean it every day with a soft toothbrush or denture cleaner (if applicable)
- Avoid biting down on very hard or sticky foods
- Follow the care and treatment regimen of your caring dentist
- If your temporary tooth feels loose or uncomfortable, visit your dentist to arrange for adjustments.
If you follow your dentist’s instructions and have excellent hygiene and care habits for your temporary appliance, you will maximize the longevity of your temporary appliance and be able to keep it until your permanent implant crown is ready.
Smile Confidently While You Wait—Visit Eramosa Dental Arts
Losing a tooth doesn’t mean you have to lose your confidence. Fortunately, Eramosa Dental Arts is here to help! We offer various ways to keep your smile looking and feeling like a natural tooth while you heal. Our skilled team can help you choose the best option, whether it’s a temporary flipper tooth, a custom Essix retainer, or another comfortable option.
Don’t continue to hide your smile for months—call Eramosa Dental Arts today; we want to keep you feeling confident while you await your implant crown. Call us now to arrange your appointment and begin your journey back to your smile!
FAQs
Can I eat normally when I have a temporary tooth before I get an implant?
You can primarily eat soft and moderately textured food, but ideally avoid hard, crunchy or sticky food to preserve your temporary tooth and ensure the implant site heals properly.
How long will I have to wear my temporary tooth before I get my implant crown?
It varies depending on healing, but generally most people wear temporary teeth for three to six months while their implant fuses with the jawbone.
Will my temporary tooth be a match to my natural teeth?
Yes, temporary solutions are designed to match your natural teeth in size, shape, and colour so they blend in naturally during the healing process.
How do I care for my temporary tooth while my implant is healing?
Clean it daily by brushing gently. If removable, you can use a denture cleaner. Avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your temporary tooth, and follow your dentist’s instructions for implant site care.
