After the surgical placement of a dental implant, a healing period allows the bone to integrate with the titanium post (osseointegration). Once your implant is stable, it’s ready for the restorative phase. A post-operative restoration refers to the customized crown, bridge, or prosthesis that attaches to your implant and completes your smile. This stage transforms the titanium post into a fully functional, natural tooth replacement.
At Anchor Dental, we coordinate with your oral surgeon or periodontist during this hand-off to guarantee the final restoration fits perfectly with your bite, gum contour, and smile line.
The restorative phase at Anchor Dental
1. Implant evaluation
After your surgeon confirms proper healing, we perform digital scans and X-rays to verify bone integration and soft-tissue health. This step ensures your implant is ready to support the restoration.
2. Digital impressions
We use intraoral 3D scanners to capture precise data around the implant site far more accurate and comfortable than traditional molds.
3. Custom abutment design
The abutment is the connector piece between the implant and crown (or bridge). We design custom titanium or zirconia abutments to match your gum shape for a clean, natural emergence.
4. Fabrication of the final restoration
Depending on the case, your final piece may be:
- A single crown (porcelain, zirconia, or E-max)
- A multi-unit bridge
- A full-arch hybrid denture (fixed to implants)
Each is made by our trusted Bay Area dental lab partners for local quality control and perfect shade matching.
5. Placement and adjustments
Once the restoration returns from the lab, we attach it securely and fine-tune your bite. Small refinements in pressure and alignment make a big difference in long-term comfort.
Why precision matters in the restoration stage
The implant itself provides the foundation, but the restoration determines daily comfort and function. If the bite alignment, contour, or material selection is off, even a well-integrated implant can feel unnatural or wear prematurely.
That’s why we spend extra time verifying:
- Accurate occlusion (how upper and lower teeth meet)
- Proper gum adaptation to prevent food trapping
- Aesthetic color blending for an invisible match
- Long-term maintainability for hygiene access
We treat every post-op restoration like fine engineering — because once it’s in your mouth, it should feel effortless.
Materials and technology
Anchor Dental uses only proven, biocompatible materials for implant restorations:
- Zirconia – for strength and natural translucency on molars or bridges
- Porcelain-fused ceramics – for lifelike anterior aesthetics
- E-max / Lithium Disilicate – ideal for single crowns in the smile zone
- Titanium and zirconia abutments – customized for optimal gum health
Our CAD/CAM digital workflows minimize adjustment time and maximize accuracy.
Caring for your implant restoration
Maintenance is simple but essential:
- Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
- Use floss or interdental brushes designed for implants.
- Avoid biting extremely hard foods (ice, nutshells).
- Visit every six months for implant checks and professional cleaning.
We’ll also evaluate your occlusion regularly, since minor bite shifts over time can affect implant load.
Common questions
How soon after implant surgery can I get the final crown?
Typically 3–6 months, depending on bone healing and integration. In some cases, we can attach a provisional crown sooner.
Will it look different from my natural teeth?
No. Each restoration is shade-matched and shaped individually. Our porcelain and zirconia options reflect light like natural enamel.
What if I already had implants placed elsewhere?
No problem — we routinely restore implants placed by other specialists. Just bring any records or component information to your consultation.
Can the restoration ever come loose?
It’s uncommon, but if a screw-retained crown loosens, it can be re-torqued easily. Regular follow-ups prevent issues.
Why patients choose Anchor Dental for post-op restorations
- Expert restorative design – Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener, DDS, PhD has extensive training in implant prosthetics and bite reconstruction.
- Local lab partnerships – All work is fabricated within the Bay Area for quick turnaround and shade verification.
- Digital precision – 3D scanning eliminates fit errors.
- Personalized coordination – We work directly with your implant surgeon for continuity of care.
- Convenient West Portal location – Serving patients from all San Francisco and Bay Area region.
Our goal is simple: transform your healed implant into a restoration that feels like it’s always belonged there.
