Completing your dental implant treatment
A dental implant replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. The prosthodontist’s central role is the restoration: designing and fitting the crown, bridge or denture that sits on the implant and does the work of the tooth you see and use. Implant placement may be provided by one of our specialists or another surgical clinician, depending on the case and existing care arrangements. Once the bone has healed around the implant, the prosthodontist completes the restoration, designed to work with your bite and to suit your other teeth.
The crown or bridge is the part you see and use, so planning starts there. Your prosthodontist works with the surgeon placing the implant, and its position is planned together, taking into account the bone, the gum and the tooth it will support.
Depending on how many teeth are being replaced, an implant may support a single crown, a bridge spanning several teeth, or a denture. Each is custom-made and designed to work with your bite and your other teeth.
How the restorative stage works
When your implant is ready to be restored, a scan or impression is taken so the restoration can be made to fit precisely. The restoration is then fitted onto the implant and checked carefully for fit, bite and appearance.
For a single implant crown, this typically involves a number of appointments once the implant has integrated. In some cases, particularly in the front of the mouth or where the shape of the gum needs to be developed, a temporary (provisional) restoration is required first. This helps guide the gum to the right contour and helps confirm appearance and function before the definitive restoration is made. Whether a provisional stage is needed depends on your individual case, and your prosthodontist will discuss this with you as part of the plan.
Careful attention to the way the restoration meets the opposing teeth is important for the comfort and longevity of implant work.
Long-term care
An implant restoration needs care on two fronts: the gum and bone around the implant, and the restoration itself.
An implant can lose supporting bone or develop an infection around it, and consistent daily cleaning at home is one of the most important ways to reduce that risk. Smoking and a history of gum disease also increase it. Your own dentist can monitor the implant as part of your routine visits.
How you use an implant restoration matters as much as how you clean it. Implant restorations are assemblies rather than single pieces: screws can loosen, ceramic can chip, and components wear over time. Grinding, clenching, chewing very hard foods and habits like biting nails or opening packaging with your teeth all increase these risks, and a night guard may be recommended if you grind or clench.
Your natural teeth continue to move slowly throughout life while the implant stays where it is. Over the years, a small gap can open between the implant crown and the tooth next to it, and the way your teeth meet can shift. Over time your restoration may need repair or replacement, and no restoration can be guaranteed to last a fixed length of time.
Where helpful, a periodic review with your prosthodontist can be added to your regular care to check the bite, the fit and the components. Your prosthodontist will explain what maintenance your particular restoration needs.
This page is general information and doesn’t replace an individual assessment. All dental treatment carries risks, which your prosthodontist will discuss with you.
Experience & ExpertisePatient Referrals
Patient referrals are always welcome, although they are not required. We work closely with referring dentists and provide care only for the stages requested. Clear reports are provided, and patients return to their general dentist for ongoing care.
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