Dental Implants: how long till I actually have a tooth?

Question

I am 18 ready to start college, I have a baby tooth with no adult under it. It is not loose at the moment but in looking at my X-rays the roots are getting short so I know I don't have much longer. It is relatively close to the front and is visible clearly when I smile and talk. How long would I be toothless exactly in the dental implant process? Is there a way to have like a retainer with a fake on it while in the process?

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:You can definetely get a retainer or a partial to replace the extracted baby tooth until the implant is healed.  There is no need to walk around without a tooth.Best,Dr. Maddahi

David Taler, DDS, FAGD, DABOI/ID · Answer

There are many options for replacing your primary tooth (baby tooth) and giving you a new tooth that same day. 
Removeable options include Essex retainers which are like Invisalign trays with a tooth. Nesbits which are single teeth that hook onto your adjacent teeth.
Fixed options (ones that stay in your mouth) include Maryland bridges, a tooth bonded to the adjacent teeth or immediate provisionals a tooth that attaches to the implant the same day it is placed.
Be sure to talk to your implant dentist about these options and more so you never have to go a day without your tooth.

Dental Implants: how long till I actually have a tooth?

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Dental Implants: how long till I actually have a tooth?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.