Do I Have to Go Without Teeth While Waiting for Implants?
By Dr. Eastwood – Summerbrook Dental & Implants, Fort Worth, TX
One of the most common concerns patients share with me is, “Do I have to go without teeth while waiting for implants?” The good news is that in most cases, the answer is no—you do not have to go without teeth during the healing process.
Dental implants are small titanium or ceramic posts placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. After placement, the bone needs time to heal and fuse to the implant in a process called osseointegration. This healing period usually lasts a few months. During this time, we want you to be comfortable, confident, and able to smile.
To help with this, we can provide temporary teeth while your implants heal. These can be temporary crowns, bridges, or even dentures—depending on your situation. The goal is to give you a natural-looking smile you can use while you wait for your permanent teeth. With temporary teeth, you can talk, eat soft foods, and go about daily life without feeling self-conscious.
In some cases, we can even place same-day teeth, where temporary crowns are attached to your implants immediately after surgery. This option is not right for everyone, but it can be a great solution when possible.
At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we are a no-judgment office. Whether you’ve been missing teeth for a short time or many years, we will work with you to create a plan that meets your needs. My goal is to make sure you never feel like you have to hide your smile—before, during, or after your implant treatment.
If you are considering dental implants and are worried about being without teeth, call Summerbrook Dental & Implants today to learn about your options for temporary teeth.