Direct answer

Temporary teeth may be fixed to an implant, bonded to neighboring teeth, incorporated into a removable appliance, or supported by existing teeth or tissue. An implant-supported temporary is possible only when stability, bone, bite, restoration design, and patient cooperation meet the protocol. A temporary tooth is not always intended for normal chewing.

Key takeaways

  • Immediate placement and immediate temporary restoration are separate decisions.
  • A provisional may be kept out of bite to protect healing.
  • Removable appliances must not press on a graft or surgical site.
  • Temporary contours can help shape gum tissue for the final crown.
  • Movement, fracture, or a changed bite should be reported.

Common temporary options

Implant-supported provisional
A temporary crown connected to a stable implant under a controlled loading plan.
Bonded temporary
A replacement attached to neighboring teeth without loading the implant.
Removable appliance
A temporary tooth in a removable retainer or partial denture.
Healing component
No visible tooth at the site; tissue heals around or over a component.

What determines the choice

The location, smile, extraction timing, implant stability, grafting, bite, grinding, one- or two-piece system, tissue-shaping goals, hygiene, and willingness to follow restrictions influence the provisional plan.

Protecting a temporary tooth

Follow the team’s food, hygiene, appliance, and bite instructions. Do not test the tooth or use it to bite foods unless specifically permitted. A polished, cleanable contour and controlled contacts are important.

If the temporary changes

Contact the office if a temporary loosens, fractures, presses on tissue, changes the bite, becomes difficult to clean, or causes increasing discomfort. Do not glue it yourself; the clinical team needs to check the implant and tissue before repair.

Selected references

  1. International Team for Implantology. Implant placement and loading protocols: consensus statements. 6th ITI Consensus Conference, 2018.
  2. Hamilton A, et al. Selection criteria for immediate implant placement and immediate loading in the maxillary esthetic zone. ITI Consensus Conference, 2023.

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