Our Summary

This research aimed to study the impact of immediately putting a temporary tooth (Immediate Provisionalization or IP) on a freshly placed dental implant (Immediate Implant Placement or IIP) on the surrounding soft and hard tissues. The team analyzed data from various databases, selecting seven controlled trials involving 323 patients who received an immediate dental implant. Half of these patients also received a temporary tooth right away.

The study found that patients who received a temporary tooth along with their implant experienced less movement in the tissue around the middle of their face compared to those who only got the implant. However, the temporary tooth did not significantly affect the survival of the implant, changes in the small triangular space between teeth, changes in bone level around the implant, the depth to which a probe can be inserted in the gum next to the implant, or bleeding on probing.

The data was insufficient to analyze changes in the horizontal soft tissue around the middle of the face and the aesthetic look of the pink gum tissue around the implant. Currently, the evidence suggesting that immediate temporary tooth placement helps stabilize the tissue around the middle of the face at the implant site is weak, according to GRADE guidelines. Therefore, more high-quality controlled trials are necessary.

FAQs

  1. What is the impact of immediately placing a temporary tooth on a newly placed dental implant?
  2. Does a temporary tooth affect the survival of the dental implant or cause any changes in the surrounding tissues?
  3. Are there any benefits of immediate temporary tooth placement after dental implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or sticky foods, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. This will help ensure successful healing and integration of the implant. Additionally, patients should communicate any concerns or issues with their dental provider promptly to address them effectively.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for dental implant surgery include those who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or periodontal disease. Patients with good overall health and adequate bone density in the jaw are also good candidates for dental implants. Additionally, patients who have healthy gums and are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices are typically recommended for dental implant surgery.

Timeline

  • Before dental implant surgery:
  1. Patient consults with dentist to determine candidacy for dental implant surgery
  2. Dental exams, X-rays, and impressions are taken to plan the surgery
  3. Patient may undergo bone grafting or other preparatory procedures if necessary
  4. Dental implant surgery is scheduled
  • After dental implant surgery:
  1. Patient may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort immediately following the surgery
  2. Patient is given aftercare instructions, including guidelines on oral hygiene and diet
  3. Over the next few months, the implant fuses with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration
  4. Once the implant has fully healed, a permanent crown or prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant
  5. Patient continues with regular dental check-ups to ensure the implant is functioning properly and to monitor the surrounding tissues
  • Additional consideration with immediate temporary tooth placement:
  1. Following dental implant surgery, some patients may receive an immediate temporary tooth placed on the implant
  2. This temporary tooth can help stabilize the surrounding tissue around the implant
  3. However, the impact of immediate temporary tooth placement on other factors such as implant survival, bone level changes, and aesthetic outcomes is still being studied
  4. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects and benefits of immediate temporary tooth placement after dental implant surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with dental implant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after dental implant surgery?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  4. How many implants will I need and where will they be placed?
  5. How long do dental implants typically last?
  6. What type of aftercare and maintenance will be required for the implants?
  7. Will I need a temporary tooth or bridge during the healing process?
  8. How soon after the surgery can I resume normal activities, such as eating and brushing my teeth?
  9. What is the success rate of dental implant surgery in general, and specifically for my individual case?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to dental implants that I should consider?

Reference

Authors: Pitman J, Seyssens L, Christiaens V, Cosyn J. Journal: J Clin Periodontol. 2022 Oct;49(10):1012-1023. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13686. Epub 2022 Jul 15. PMID: 35734911