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 and anchored it firmly, the prosthodontist completes the restoration, designed to work with your bite and to match your other teeth.
The position of the implant is worked out around the final tooth from the very start, so the surgery serves the end result rather than the other way around. Your prosthodontist works closely with the surgeon placing the implant so the implant is positioned for the best restorative outcome. This restorative-led planning, in partnership with the surgeon, is central to how the work is done and is a key contribution of a prosthodontist to implant treatment.
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, and is a central part of prosthodontic training.
Long-term care
Implant restorations depend on healthy gums and bone around the implant. Consistent daily cleaning at home is extremely important as an implant can lose its supporting bone or develop a gum infection if it is not kept clean. Your own dentist can monitor and maintain the implant and its restoration as part of your routine dental visits. Where helpful, a periodic review with your prosthodontist can be built into your regular care to check that the restoration and the tissues around it remain healthy over time.
Implant restorations are assemblies rather than single pieces. The crown or bridge connects to the implant with a screw, and screws can loosen; ceramic can chip; and components wear over time. These are usually manageable when picked up early, and many restorations are designed to be retrieved. Grinding, clenching, chewing hard foods and habits like biting nails or opening packaging with your teeth all increase these risks.
Your natural teeth also continue to change while the implant stays where it is, so the relationship between them can shift over the years. A periodic review checks the bite, the fit and the condition of the components, as well as the health of the tissues.
Your prosthodontist will explain what maintenance your particular restoration needs and how it can fit around your usual dental care.
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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