Missing Teeth

Temporary options for a missing tooth: what can you do while waiting for a permanent one?

How to manage the gap before you make a decision

When a tooth is extracted or falls out, days and sometimes months can pass before you decide on a permanent solution. Leaving the gap empty for a while during this time is usually not a problem, but in some cases your appearance, your speech and the position of the neighbouring teeth can be affected. On this page we explain what temporary options there are, when you need to act quickly and the route to a permanent decision.

Short answer

Until a permanent solution for a missing tooth has been decided, there are several temporary options: leaving the gap for a while, having a removable single-tooth denture (a flipper) made, using a bridge bonded to the neighbouring tooth with minimal preparation, or having a temporary denture fitted on the same day as the extraction. Which one suits you depends on where the tooth is, how long you will wait and your day-to-day needs. There is no need to rush the decision, but because the bone changes fastest in the first few months, it helps to talk it over with your dentist early.

When the gap becomes a problem: When appearance, speech or drifting of the neighbouring teeth is involved
The most commonly used temporary option: A removable single-tooth denture (flipper)
Time to make: Usually from a few days to a few weeks
Limit for the permanent decision: Do not put it off for months; bone changes fastest in the first few months

Medically reviewed by Bilge Ilgın, Dentist · ImplantologyLast reviewed 2026-09-13

Why the gap does not have to be filled straight away, but should not be overlooked

When a tooth is lost, the first question is usually not 'what happens now?' but 'do I need to do something straight away?' The answer is often no: before deciding on a permanent solution, you may need to wait for healing, weigh up the options and sometimes get a second opinion. How you manage the gap during this waiting period is a separate matter.

The effect of the gap depends on where the tooth is. A gap at the front affects appearance and speech straight away; as the American Dental Association points out, missing teeth can affect speech and chewing. The gap left by a molar at the back cannot be seen from outside but can change the way you chew.

Appearance is not the only thing that changes over time. When a gap stays open for a long time, the neighbouring teeth can slowly drift towards it, and the opposing tooth can over-erupt into the gap. This does not mean you need a temporary option straight away; waiting a few weeks usually causes no problems. What changes is the urgency, which grows the longer it goes on.

If the tooth was extracted, the socket itself is going through a process too. As we explain on our page about what to do after a tooth extraction, the socket heals in the first few days, and in the months that follow the bone underneath remodels. When choosing a temporary option, this healing timeline needs to be taken into account too; for example, a denture that sits over a fresh extraction socket is fitted after a waiting period that your dentist will decide.

What temporary options have in common is that they are not permanent: none of them needs a permanent change to the neighbouring tooth or anything placed in the bone. This makes them reversible, but they are not designed as a long-term solution either; they wear with daily use, may need frequent adjustment, and some are only meant for a short time.

When to move on to a permanent decision varies from person to person, but it is not a decision to put off for ever. Because bone changes fastest in the first few months, talking to your dentist during this period keeps your options open. We cover the timing for implants on our page about how long to wait for an implant after an extraction. On our page about temporary and permanent teeth, we also explain separately that with conventional implants temporary teeth are fitted first and permanent teeth months later, whereas in the Implant72 protocol the teeth fixed in place on day 3 are the final teeth.

The gap itself does not cause a smell, but the area around it can become a pocket that is hard to clean. Food debris builds up more easily on the surfaces of the neighbouring teeth that face the gap, and if it is not cleaned regularly it can lead to both a bad taste in the mouth and gum inflammation. This does not mean you need to have a temporary option fitted; it means that cleaning the gap every day with floss or an interdental brush is enough.

Who needs to act quickly and who can wait

The lists below show the factors that genuinely change how quickly you need a temporary option.

The tooth can be saved

A single missing tooth at the backBecause it cannot be seen from outside and the balance of your chewing is not noticeably upset in a short time, waiting a few weeks usually causes no problems. Chewing with the teeth on the other side for a while does not noticeably change your daily life.
The extraction socket is still healingA denture sitting over a fresh socket can be uncomfortable; a short wait decided by your dentist protects both the socket and the temporary option.
You are already going to discuss the permanent decision soonIf you are seeing your dentist within a few weeks, you may not need a temporary option at all.
Your neighbouring teeth are soundSound, well-positioned neighbouring teeth do not drift noticeably during a short wait.

Saving it is unlikely to hold

A missing tooth at the front that showsSpeech and your smile are affected straight away; most people want a temporary option early in this situation.
Your job depends on speakingA gap that affects pronunciation can make your daily work harder; in this case it makes sense to keep the wait short.
More than one tooth is missingThe balance of your chewing is upset to a greater extent and the risk of the neighbouring teeth drifting increases; in this case, see your dentist sooner.
The gap has been open for monthsThe neighbouring teeth may have started to drift over time; in this case both the temporary option and the permanent plan need to be assessed more carefully.

How a temporary option is decided

The steps below show the order followed when deciding which temporary option suits you.

1
Tell your dentist what you need
If a tooth is going to be extracted, say so before the extraction, and if it already has been, as soon as possible; some temporary options can be prepared on the same day.
2
Agreeing on the material and type
You and your dentist discuss which temporary option (a flipper, a resin-bonded bridge or an immediate denture) suits you and what material it will be made from. This choice depends on where the tooth is, how long it will be used and your daily habits.
3
An impression or scan is taken
Your dentist takes an impression of your mouth with conventional impression material or with a digital scan. This makes sure the temporary option fits your mouth exactly.
4
Delivery and try-in within a few days
Dentures that are made quickly can usually be delivered within a few days. If anything is uncomfortable during the try-in, your dentist adjusts it in the same session.
5
Getting used to it in the first few days
Having something new in your mouth can feel strange in the first few days; speaking and chewing start to feel normal within a few days.
6
Do not delay the permanent decision
While using the temporary option, do not put off discussing permanent options with your dentist; bone changes fastest in the first few months.

Temporary options

The options below are not rivals; depending on where the tooth is, how long you will wait and the state of your mouth, one may suit you better than another. Your dentist decides which one suits you.

Leaving the gap for a while

Especially at the back, if only a short wait is expected, waiting without having anything fitted is also an option. During this time it is enough to shift your chewing to the other side and clean the gap regularly.

A removable single-tooth denture (flipper)

A single tooth set on a thin, removable plate closes the gap by holding on to the neighbouring teeth. It is taken out at night and supports your appearance and speech during the day; it is not a permanent solution, but it is quick to make. The type with an acrylic framework is more durable, while the type with a clear plate (Essix type) is less noticeable.

Resin-bonded (adhesive) bridge

A type of bridge bonded to the back surface of the neighbouring tooth with a thin wing, needing only minimal preparation. As the American Dental Association defines it, a bridge closes the gap by holding on to the neighbouring teeth; this type is used as a medium-term rather than a permanent solution.

A temporary denture fitted on the same day as the extraction

With the impression taken before the teeth are extracted, this kind of denture can be fitted on the same day as the extraction, so you are never left without teeth. Because the shape of the jaw changes during healing, it may need adjusting or replacing over time. According to the NHS, these dentures can usually be made within a few days.

Common mistakes with temporary options

The following are common, easily preventable problems when using a temporary option.

Sleeping without taking it out

Leaving a removable temporary denture in all night can lead to irritation of the gums and a build-up of bacteria in the mouth; unless your dentist has told you otherwise, take it out at night.

Not cleaning it regularly

A temporary denture needs daily cleaning just like real teeth; if food debris builds up, the risk of both bad breath and gum inflammation increases.

Ignoring a spot that digs in or hurts

It is not normal for a temporary option to cause constant discomfort; a spot that keeps digging in or a sore is something to tell your dentist about.

Putting off the permanent decision indefinitely

Trying to get by with a temporary option for a long time allows both drifting of the neighbouring teeth and the changes in the bone to progress; this can narrow your options later.

Trying to repair it yourself at home

Trying to glue a broken or loose temporary denture at home can harm your mouth and spoil the fit; take it to your dentist.

What to expect while you are using a temporary option

The sequence below describes what to expect after you get a temporary option.

The first few days
Speaking and chewing may feel unfamiliar. Start with soft foods and gradually go back to eating normally.
The first week
Small adjustments are made during this period; if a spot digs in or hurts, tell your dentist and do not try to fix it yourself.
The first few months
The extraction socket and, where relevant, the bone keep healing; during this time the temporary option may need adjusting or replacing.
Time for the permanent decision
During this period, when bone changes fastest, discuss the permanent options with your dentist; the waiting time varies from person to person.

Message us right away if

Your temporary denture has broken or fallen out. Take it to your dentist without trying to repair it yourself; an unsuitable repair can harm your mouth.
A spot that digs in, hurts or causes a sore. This is not what to expect from a temporary option, and it needs adjusting.
Redness, swelling or bleeding in the gums. These can point to a cleaning or fit problem; your dentist should check it.
Noticeable drifting of the neighbouring teeth. This is a sign that you should not put off discussing the permanent decision.

What determines the scope of a temporary option

This page is not a price list; it explains the options. Even so, these are the factors that determine which temporary option you will be offered:

Where the missing tooth is: Needs at the front and the back differ; at the front appearance comes first, at the back the balance of your chewing.
How many teeth are missing: A single missing tooth and several missing teeth call for different temporary options.
How long you will wait: A wait of a few weeks and a process lasting months make different options sensible.
How far the extraction socket has healed: A fresh socket and a fully healed area change when and how the temporary option is fitted.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to make a temporary option for a missing tooth?

A removable single-tooth denture can usually be made within a few days; with temporary dentures fitted on the same day as the extraction, the impression is taken before the extraction, so you are never left without teeth. The time depends on the method chosen and the laboratory.

What can be fitted temporarily in place of a missing tooth?

The most commonly used options are a removable single-tooth denture (flipper), a bridge bonded to the neighbouring tooth with minimal preparation, and a temporary denture fitted on the same day as the extraction. Which one is suitable depends on where the tooth is and how long you will wait.

What happens if I do not fill the gap temporarily?

A short wait usually causes no problems; the real risk is the gap staying open for months. In that case the neighbouring teeth can slowly drift, the opposing tooth can over-erupt and the balance of your chewing can change.

Does a missing tooth affect speech?

A gap at the front in particular can affect how some sounds are made. The American Dental Association states that missing teeth can affect speech and chewing; if you want to reduce this effect, a temporary option can help during this period.

Can I sleep in my temporary denture?

Not unless your dentist tells you otherwise. Leaving a removable temporary denture in all night can irritate your gums; it is best to take it out at night and keep it in a clean container.

When do you move from a temporary option to a permanent one?

There is no fixed date, but it is not a decision to put off for months either; bone changes fastest in the first few months. Discussing the permanent options early keeps more choices open. We explain the timing separately on our page about how long to wait for an implant after an extraction.

Is a resin-bonded bridge the same as a conventional bridge?

No. A resin-bonded (adhesive) bridge holds on to the surface of the neighbouring tooth with a thin wing and needs only minimal preparation; a conventional fixed bridge covers the neighbouring teeth more extensively and offers a permanent solution. A resin-bonded bridge is used more as a medium-term option.

Can something temporary be fitted on the same day a tooth is extracted?

Yes. If the impression is taken before the extraction, a temporary denture can be made that is fitted on the same day as the extraction, so you are never left without teeth. Because the shape of the jaw changes during healing, it may need adjusting or replacing over time.

Can the gap from a missing tooth be closed with a crown?

No, not on its own. A crown is a cap placed over an existing tooth or an implant; without a tooth root or implant underneath to hold on to, it cannot stay in a gap. To replace a missing tooth, a crown needs a supporting tooth for a bridge, an implant or a removable denture underneath it.

Can a missing tooth cause bad breath?

The gap itself does not cause a smell, but food debris building up around it can lead to a bad taste and smell if it is not cleaned regularly. Cleaning the gap every day with floss or an interdental brush greatly reduces this risk.

Sources

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