Dental Implants San Jose: How Long Do You Go Without Teeth During the Process?

If you’re considering dental implants in San Jose, you may have already heard that the process can take several months. Naturally, that could make you worry that you’ll have to deal with that gap in your smile while you wait for your implant.

The good news is that you will likely never have to go without a tooth. Bay Area Dental & Implant Center offers several excellent temporary solutions to keep your smile complete throughout the entire process. We tailor the temporary tooth to each patient, but you can explore your options below!

Why Do Tooth Implants Take Time?

For long-term results, you do need to invest some time in the process of getting dental implants. At its core lies the critical phase of osseointegration. This is when the implant fuses with your jawbone, creating a stable foundation for your new tooth.

While the timeline for the entire process can vary from a few months to over a year, the osseointegration step typically takes 3 to 6 months and requires the most patience. Although waiting can be a challenge, osseointegration is the cornerstone of a successful dental implant that feels and functions like a natural tooth.

You Don’t Have to Live with a Gap: Temporary Tooth Options

At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, we ensure your smile looks great from your first appointment to your last. You will not have to face the world with a noticeable gap even while waiting for osseointegration. Here are the most common temporary solutions we provide while you wait for your permanent dental implants in San Jose.

Temporary Crowns

For many patients, especially those with a missing front tooth, a temporary dental crown is an ideal solution. This crown is typically attached to the neighboring teeth or, in some cases, can be placed on the implant itself.

It is designed to look natural and fill the space aesthetically. While it’s not strong enough for chewing hard foods, it allows you to speak, smile, and go about your daily life with confidence. This option provides a seamless cosmetic fix while the important healing happens beneath the gums.

Dental Flippers

A dental flipper is a type of temporary partial denture. It consists of one or more prosthetic teeth attached to a pink, gum-colored acrylic base that fits snugly against the roof of your mouth or your lower jaw.

Benefits of a dental flipper:

• Quick to Make: You can have your flipper ready on the day of your procedure.
• Affordable: They are a cost-effective way to manage the gap during the healing phase.
• Easy to Use: You can easily remove a flipper for cleaning and while you sleep.

A dental flipper is an excellent choice for maintaining appearance and preventing other teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Temporary Bridges

If your San Jose dental implant is between two healthy teeth, a temporary bridge may be an option. This involves placing temporary crowns on the neighboring teeth to support a prosthetic tooth (called a pontic) in the middle, which spans the gap.

This solution is fixed in place, so you don’t have to worry about removing it. It provides stability for eating and speaking, and it looks very natural.

Why Get a Temporary Tooth for Dental Implants in San Jose?

A temporary tooth does more than just hide a gap. It plays several important roles during the dental implant process:

• Maintains Space: It prevents the neighboring teeth from drifting into the empty space, which could cause alignment issues.
• Protects the Surgical Site: It covers the healing implant post, protecting it from food particles and tongue pressure.
• Supports Gum Health: Some temporary options can help shape the gum tissue around the implant site, leading to a more natural-looking final result.
• Boosts Confidence: Most importantly, a temporary replacement allows you to feel confident in your smile throughout the entire treatment period.

We Make Sure Gaps Won’t Hold You Back

The fear of a gapped smile should not hold you back from achieving the permanent, beautiful results that dental implants in San Jose can provide. At Bay Area Dental & Implant Center, we will work with you to choose the best temporary solution for your lifestyle and clinical needs.

Ready to fill that gap? Book a visit with our team today. We’ll answer all your questions and create a personalized treatment plan that keeps you smiling from day one.