An abutment is the connector between the dental implant in the jawbone and the final restoration. The surgical specialist places the implant and abutment, and the crown or implant-supported restoration attaches to that connector.

Can implant crowns or restorations wear out?

Yes. While the implant fixture in the bone is designed for long-term stability, the visible restoration experiences normal chewing forces. Implant crowns, bridges, and dentures may eventually require repair or replacement over time.

How do I care for an implant restoration?

Implant restorations should be cared for much like natural teeth. Daily brushing and flossing, along with routine dental visits, help keep the surrounding gums healthy and ensure the implant restoration remains stable.

How long do implant restorations last?

With proper care and regular monitoring, implant restorations can last many years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, and overall oral health.

What is implant restoration?

Implant restoration is the process of placing the custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that attaches to a dental implant. The implant itself is surgically placed in the jawbone by a specialist, and once healing is complete, the final restoration is designed and secured to restore normal appearance and function.

Do you place dental implants surgically?

No. Implant placement is performed by a trusted oral surgeon or implant specialist. At Galligan Family Dentistry, we coordinate the restorative phase of treatment by designing and placing the implant crown or implant-supported restoration once healing is complete.

When might a dental implant be recommended?

A dental implant may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably restored with a filling or crown due to severe decay, fracture, or structural damage. In these cases, extraction and implant replacement may provide the most stable long-term solution.

What types of implant restorations do you provide?

We restore several types of implant-supported restorations, including: • Single implant crowns • Implant-supported bridges for multiple missing teeth • Implant-supported dentures for full or partial arches The appropriate option depends on how many teeth are being replaced and the functional needs of the area.

How long after implant placement is the crown placed?

After the implant is surgically placed, the bone must heal and integrate with the implant. This process usually takes several months. Once healing is complete and the implant is stable, we begin the implant restoration phase by designing and placing the final crown or prosthesis.

Implant Restorations

Building Smiles on a Solid Foundation

Dental Implants

Dental implants replace the root of a missing tooth. Implant restoration is the step that makes that foundation functional, visible, and complete.

In many cases, implant treatment begins during a comprehensive exam when a tooth is too damaged to be predictably restored with a filling or crown. When the remaining structure cannot support a traditional restoration, replacing the tooth with a dental implant may provide the most stable long-term solution.

Implant placement itself is performed by a trusted surgical specialist. Once the implant integrates with the jawbone and the site has healed, the restorative phase begins. At that stage, a custom crown, bridge, or implant-supported prosthesis is designed and secured to the implant’s abutment.

At Galligan Family Dentistry, our focus is the restorative phase of implant treatment. We design and place the visible restoration that allows the implant to function naturally within your bite while blending comfortably with the surrounding teeth.

When Implant Restoration Is Needed

Implant restoration is typically part of a coordinated treatment plan developed after evaluating a damaged or missing tooth. If decay, fracture, or structural damage extends too deeply, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure to support a lasting restoration. In these cases, extraction and implant placement may be recommended to restore function predictably.

After the implant is surgically placed and allowed time to integrate with the bone, the restorative phase completes the treatment.

Implant restoration may also be needed when:

• A damaged tooth must be replaced after extraction
• An implant has been placed as part of a planned treatment
• An existing implant crown has worn out or fractured
• An implant-supported bridge or denture needs replacement

While the implant fixture itself is designed for long-term stability, the restoration attached to it experiences normal chewing forces. Like crowns and bridges on natural teeth, implant restorations may occasionally require maintenance or replacement.

Choosing the Right Implant Restoration

Implants can support several different types of restorations depending on how many teeth are being replaced and the functional needs of the area.

Single Implant Crown

Used to replace a single missing tooth. A custom crown attaches to the implant’s abutment, restoring natural appearance and chewing function without relying on neighboring teeth for support.

Implant-Supported Bridge

When several teeth are missing next to each other, implants can support a fixed bridge. This replaces multiple teeth while avoiding the need to place crowns on adjacent natural teeth.

Implant-Supported Denture

For patients missing many or all teeth in an arch, implants can anchor a removable or fixed denture. This approach provides greater stability and chewing efficiency compared to traditional dentures that rely only on the gums.

Each restoration is designed to integrate naturally with the surrounding teeth and bite, providing a balance of durability, comfort, and appearance.

Coordinated Care with Surgical Specialists

Implant treatment is a collaborative process that occurs in stages.

If implant replacement becomes necessary, we coordinate care with experienced oral surgeons or implant specialists who place the implant fixture within the jawbone. After placement, the implant is given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone.

Once the implant site is stable and ready for restoration, patients return to our office to complete the process. This coordinated approach ensures the implant is positioned correctly for long-term restorative success.

Our role focuses on designing and placing the final restoration so the implant functions comfortably and predictably as part of your smile.

What to Expect During Implant Restoration

The restorative phase begins with a detailed evaluation of the healed implant and surrounding tissues.

Digital impressions or scans are taken so the final crown or prosthesis can be precisely designed. Careful attention is given to shade, shape, and contour so the restoration blends naturally with your existing teeth.

Bite alignment is also evaluated to ensure chewing forces are distributed properly and the implant restoration functions comfortably.

Once the final restoration is complete, it is attached to the implant abutment and carefully adjusted for fit, balance, and comfort. The result is a stable, lifelike replacement that restores both function and appearance.

Aftercare and Longevity

Although dental implants cannot develop cavities, the surrounding gum and bone must remain healthy to support the implant long-term.

Maintaining implant restorations includes:

Daily brushing and flossing
Routine professional dental visits
Monitoring gum health around the implant
Periodic evaluation of the restoration’s condition

Implant crowns, bridges, and dentures are designed for durability, but like all dental restorations, they may eventually experience wear. Addressing small issues early helps protect the implant and maintain long-term stability.

With proper care and regular monitoring, implant restorations can provide many years of reliable function.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Bridges

Yes. Implant crowns are custom-designed to match the shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth. When properly restored, an implant crown blends naturally with your smile and functions like a natural tooth.

If you have additional questions about implant restorations, implant crowns, or implant-supported restorations, our team is happy to help. During an exam, we can evaluate your tooth, discuss your options, and determine whether restoring or replacing the tooth will provide the most stable long-term outcome.

Completing Your Smile with Confidence

While the implant fixture itself is designed for long-term stability, the visible restoration attached to it experiences normal chewing forces over time. Like crowns on natural teeth, implant crowns, bridges, and implant-supported restorations may occasionally require maintenance or replacement.

With proper care and routine exams, dental implant restorations can provide many years of reliable function and natural appearance. At Galligan Family Dentistry, we restore and maintain implant crowns and implant-supported restorations for patients throughout North Raleigh, Wake Forest, Rolesville, and surrounding communities.

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Location

Galligan Family Dentistry
11420 Falls of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614

Contact

Phone: (919) 977-1870
Fax: (919) 977-1872
Email: info@galliganfamilydentistry.com

Phone: (919) 977-1870
Fax: (919) 977-1872
Email: Click To Email

Hours

Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

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