When people come to see us about dental implants, they usually have a list of questions prepared. Some want to know how long implants last. Others are concerned about discomfort or recovery times. But one question that seems to come up often is whether the patient will have any teeth while the implant heals. As this can take around three months or more, this is a logical question.
For many people, the thought of replacing a failing or missing tooth makes sense but equally, the idea of having a gap until the implant is ready is not appealing at all. If the tooth is near the front of the mouth, it could even be enough to prevent somebody pursuing treatment altogether.
The good news is that most Blake Dental implant patients are not left walking around with obvious spaces in their smile while treatment is taking place. There are exceptions, and every case is different, but in the vast majority of situations we can provide some form of temporary solution.
The fact is that a dental implant isn’t actually the visible tooth. It is the titanium post that is placed into the jawbone beneath the gum. Once that implant has been inserted, the surrounding bone needs time to heal and bond to it. Dentists call this osseointegration, but essentially it’s the process that allows the implant to become strong and stable enough to support a replacement tooth.
That healing period is essential though, and is one of the reasons implants are so successful long term. This period can’t be rushed and this means that there will be no tooth there for a while.
One of the biggest misconceptions about implant treatment is that a tooth is removed and then nothing happens for months. This is obviously a cause for concern for anyone who wants to have a normal smile.
If somebody is having a front tooth replaced, appearance becomes an important consideration. People have jobs to go to, families to see and social lives to maintain. Few patients are enthusiastic about spending months hiding their smile.
For that reason, we usually discuss temporary replacement options before treatment even begins. Sometimes this may involve a small removable denture, for example. The best solution depends on the individual circumstances, but the important point is that the issue is usually addressed well in advance rather than becoming an unpleasant surprise afterwards.
Interestingly, patients replacing back teeth are often much less concerned. A missing molar may affect chewing, but it’s not immediately visible when talking or smiling. Front teeth, on the other hand, are different.
Even people who have lived with a damaged tooth for years often become anxious when they think about the extraction appointment. The concern isn’t normally the procedure itself. It’s the idea of looking in the mirror afterwards. We completely understand that concern because we hear it so often.
In fact, many consultations involve reassuring patients that they’ve probably imagined the worst-case scenario rather than what is actually likely to happen.
You may have heard the term ‘immediate dental implants’. This refers to situations where the implant is placed at the same appointment as the extraction. When conditions are favourable, this can be an excellent treatment option. Sometimes a temporary crown can also be provided during the early healing phase, meaning the patient never experiences a visible gap.
However, immediate implants aren’t suitable for everybody. The position of the tooth, the quality of the surrounding bone, the health of the gums and the presence of infection all influence the decision. A responsible implant dentist will always prioritise the long-term success of the treatment over speed.
The same principles apply when multiple teeth are involved. In these situations, temporary dentures are commonly used while implants heal. Modern dentures can look remarkably natural and can provide an effective short-term solution.
People often imagine the implant journey to be much more disruptive than it really is. There are inevitably some small sacrifices to be made to ensure that the implant successfully bonds with the bone. This includes things such as cleaning the area as advised by our implant dentists and also amending your diet so that softer foods are eaten which put less stress on the implant while it is healing. This can be gradually changed as the process progresses.
Before treatment begins, patients sometimes picture months of awkward conversations, covering their mouth when they laugh and avoiding photographs. The reality, however, is often quite different.
Most patients continue working, socialising and carrying on with everyday life throughout treatment. Friends and colleagues frequently have no idea that implants are even being placed unless you choose to tell them so, and with more people having dental implants, those around you are likely to be sympathetic to any short term aesthetic issues for long term benefits.
Perhaps the most important message is that implant treatment shouldn’t begin with unanswered questions. A thorough consultation allows your dentist to explain what will happen after extraction, how the space will be managed and what temporary options are available.
When patients understand the process, much of the anxiety disappears. After all, the fear of being left with no teeth usually comes from uncertainty rather than reality.
Although every situation is unique then, there is usually a way of maintaining your appearance while implants heal. Whether that is through a temporary denture, a provisional tooth, an immediate implant or another solution, treatment can often be planned so that you are not left feeling self-conscious about your smile.
That is why this is one of the first things we discuss with new implant patients at our Witham dental clinic. People are often relieved to discover that the gap they have been worrying about for weeks or months is rarely the problem they imagined it would be.
If you are considering dental implants to replace a missing tooth, or teeth, and have questions that you would like answering about them or the procedure, we are happy to help. You can arrange to have an initial consultation with us by calling Blake Dental on 01376 501688.
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Katie Annabel Blake trading as Blake Dental is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Financing First Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Katie Annabel Blake is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Financing First Limited may not be so authorised and regulated.
