Will You Have A Gap In Your Smile While Your Dental Implant Heals?
Posted on: 24 May 2023
It's perhaps more accurate to describe a dental implant as a tooth root implant. The implant is a small metal screw (made of titanium), and once your jawbone heals around it, the prosthetic tooth then attached to the implant will have the same strength (and look) as a natural tooth. But the healing process can take some time before the implant is strong enough for its tooth. Does this mean you have to live with a noticeable gap in your smile during this time?
Implant and Jawbone
The process of integration between your implant and the jawbone that surrounds it is called osseointegration. How long should osseointegration take? There are many factors that influence the answer to this question, including your age and general health, your standard of oral health, and your compliance with your dentist's instructions. On average, the process can take from two to six months. So will you have a gap in your teeth for several months?
Functionality and Look
The dental implant service you're receiving is concerned with the functionality of the finished dental work, as well as the look (and realism) of the prosthetic tooth. Your ultimate prosthetic tooth will be made of porcelain since the look and strength of a porcelain dental restoration matches a natural tooth. However, it might be a few months until your implant has healed to the point it can support its completed prosthetic tooth. But your dentist can provide you with a temporary cosmetic option.
Temporarily Closed
Any gap in your smile can be temporarily closed with a temporary prosthetic tooth. This will be made of high-quality dental resin, but it won't be securely attached to the implant beneath it (which is still healing). It will look relatively realistic, and you may be perfectly satisfied with its appearance. However, it's important to remember that the tooth is cosmetic and non-functional.
Taking Care
You can't put too much pressure on a temporary prosthetic tooth, as it may break away. It could be cemented or splinted to the neighboring teeth, using a connection that's easy for a dentist to sever when the tooth is due to be replaced. You must take care with your diet and not apply too much bite force to the temporary tooth. It's simple enough for a dentist to reattach it, but this is best avoided.
No, you won't need to live with a gap in your smile while your dental implant heals—but it's very important to remember that your temporary prosthetic tooth is essentially for display purposes only.
Contact a company like Signature Dental to learn more.
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