Dental Implant Restorations: What Happens After the Implant Post Heals?

A dental implant can be life-changing, and completing the healing phase is a major milestone. Once your implant post successfully fuses with your jawbone, you're ready to proceed to the most exciting part of the process: the restoration.

At U & I Smile in Beaverton, Oregon, I-Yin (Lilian) Liu, DMD, helps patients complete their smiles with custom dental implants. This final phase is where we design and attach your new tooth, restoring your natural chewing function and your confidence. 

The restoration process step-by-step

Once your implant post is fully integrated, we begin the restoration phase. First, we take highly accurate impressions of your mouth to design a custom tooth that fits perfectly.

We often use custom crowns to replace single teeth, but we can also craft dental bridges or dentures, depending on your unique needs.

This phase is highly predictable and successful, giving you a reliable way to eat, speak, and smile. One study found that the overall survival rate for dental implants after the restoration phase is nearly 98%. That means your new tooth is built to last for years to come.

Choosing the right type of restoration

Depending on how many teeth you're replacing, we help you choose between a fixed crown or a removable option. Fixed restorations are permanently attached to the implant post, while removable options can be easily taken out for cleaning.

Your choice of restoration can affect long-term stability and how you care for your smile. Implants supporting removable dentures have a 2.18% failure rate, while those supporting fixed crowns have a lower rate of just 0.80%. 

We discuss these options to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Caring for your new dental implant

Once your restoration is in place, keeping it clean is essential for preventing infections and ensuring its long-term success. While your implant can't get cavities, the surrounding gum tissue still needs diligent care to stay healthy and strong.

To keep the area clean, you might want to swap out your usual cleaning tools. We may recommend using interproximal brushes — tiny brushes designed to clean between teeth — instead of traditional dental floss to remove bacterial biofilm from around your implant.

Completing your dental implant journey is a major step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Dr. Liu and our team are here to guide you through every step of the restoration process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.

You don't have to live with missing teeth or an incomplete smile. If you're ready to restore your smile or want to learn more about our services, contact our office today to schedule an appointment.