Replacement Teeth

Once the abutments (connector posts) have been attached to the dental implants, the process of creating the new replacement teeth can begin. This is often referred to as the prosthetic phase of dental implant treatment and it requires as much technical expertise as the surgical phase, particularly when replacing multiple teeth, or all of the teeth. The restorative dentist, or  Prosthodontist is not only restoring the esthetics of the smile, but also the structural integrity of the teeth for proper function.

Implant Crowns

The restorative dentist will take impressions of the teeth and the abutments, which will be sent to the laboratory technician. The dentist will also select the appropriate shade for the replacement crowns. The laboratory technician will actually fabricate the new crowns, usually with porcelain fused to metal. The crowns can either be cemented onto the abutments, or retained with small screws. The restorative dentist or Prosthodontist will usually determine which is best based on the location of the missing teeth. Attaching the crowns with screws makes it easier to replace anything or retighten the crowns, as there is an access created in the crowns for the screws. This is usually preferred for posterior teeth. Anterior crowns are often cemented onto the abutments for esthetic reasons. Once the laboratory technician has fabricated the crowns, the restorative dentist will try the new crowns for proper fit and attach them to the abutments.

Implant Prosthesis (non-removable)

Impressions are taken of the implant abutments and the appropriate shade is selected for the new replacement teeth. These will be sent to the laboratory technician, who will fabricate the new replacement teeth, as well as any structures (metal bars) that will be attached to the abutments to secure the prosthesis. The prosthesis can be made with acrylic, which is a hard plastic material, or porcelain, depending upon multiple factors, such as the strength of the patient’s bite and whether the patient grinds their teeth, as well as the patient’s esthetic requirements.

There are usually a few appointments with the restorative dentists to try the framework and prosthesis in place to ensure the proper fit and position, as well as the appearance of the replacement teeth before the prosthesis is seated. The final prosthesis is retained with small screws that fit into the metal framework and attach to the abutments and cannot be removed by the patient.

Implant Retained Denture (Overdenture)

For patients who have had traditional dentures, the process of fabricating implant-retained dentures is similar. Impressions of the mouth and the implant abutments are taken and the shade for the replacement teeth is selected. The impressions are then sent to the laboratory technician, who will be fabricating the new overdenture with the attachments that will snap onto the special abutments. This is similar to a ball and socket. If the overdenture will be supported by a bar between the dental implants and abutments, the laboratory technician will be fabricating this as well. There are usually a few appointments with the restorative dentist to try the overdenture for proper fit and position of the replacement teeth. Once the fit, bite, and position and appearance of the teeth have been finalized, the new overdenture is delivered and placed securely on the abutment attachments, or the bar. The overdenture can be removed by the patient for hygiene purposes.