Custom Implant Restorations That Restore Strength, Function, and Natural Beauty
A dental implant is more than a single piece of metal—it’s a foundation for a complete, lifelike tooth. Once the implant post has fused with your jawbone, a custom abutment and crown complete the process, restoring both function and appearance. At Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston, we create implant restorations that look and feel natural, ensuring your smile feels complete once again.
Dr. Daniel Whiteman and his team approach implant restoration with precision and artistry. Every detail—from the fit of your abutment to the color and shape of your crown—is carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with your natural teeth. Our goal is to provide durable, comfortable, and aesthetic results that support lasting oral health and confidence.
Whether you’re receiving your first restoration or replacing an older crown, our team ensures that your new tooth looks beautiful, feels comfortable, and functions exactly as it should.
Understanding Implant Restoration
Implant restoration refers to the final stage of the dental implant process: creating and attaching the visible replacement tooth. It includes two main components: the abutment and the crown.
The Abutment
The abutment is a small, precisely engineered connector that attaches to the top of the implant post. It serves as the foundation for your crown, holding it firmly in place. Custom abutments can be designed to follow your gum contours, helping the restoration blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
The Crown
The crown is the visible replacement tooth that sits on top of the abutment. Each crown is individually designed to match the shape, color, and translucency of your natural teeth, ensuring it looks natural and functions comfortably when you bite and chew.
Once the implant site has fully healed, the abutment and crown complete the restoration, returning strength, balance, and aesthetics to your smile.
The Dental Implant Restoration Process at Whiteman Dental Associates
Every implant restoration is customized for the patient’s unique needs. Our process combines digital precision, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
We begin with a full evaluation of the implant area to confirm that healing is complete and the implant is securely integrated into the bone. We review your dental history, discuss your goals, and explain your restoration options.
Step 2: Digital Scanning or Impressions
Next, we capture detailed digital scans or impressions of your mouth to record the exact position of your implant. This allows for precise customization of both the abutment and the crown, ensuring a natural fit and alignment with your bite.
Step 3: Custom Abutment Design
Depending on your needs, we may use a prefabricated abutment or create a custom one. Custom abutments allow for exact contouring and better support of your gum tissue, resulting in a lifelike emergence of the crown from the gumline.
Step 4: Crown Fabrication
We design your crown using advanced materials and color-matching techniques. Every crown is shaped to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, balancing function with natural aesthetics.
Step 5: Placement and Adjustment
Once your custom abutment and crown are ready, we secure them to the implant and make precise adjustments for comfort and balance. We check your bite carefully to ensure the restoration feels natural and stable.
Types of Implant Abutments and Crowns
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we provide several options to suit your individual restoration needs.
Stock Abutments
Stock abutments are prefabricated connectors available in standard shapes and sizes. They are a practical and cost-effective option when the implant position and gum contours allow for a straightforward fit.
Custom Abutments
Custom abutments are individually designed for your mouth. They provide superior fit, control over angle and contour, and enhanced gum aesthetics—especially valuable for front teeth or highly visible areas.
Screw-Retained Crowns
These crowns are secured directly to the abutment or implant with a small screw. They can be easily removed for maintenance or repairs and are often chosen for molars or areas that require added durability.
Cement-Retained Crowns
Cement-retained crowns are bonded to the abutment using a strong dental adhesive. This option offers a smooth, natural appearance with no visible screw hole, making it ideal for visible areas.
Crown Material Options
We offer several materials for implant crowns, each chosen for strength, beauty, and longevity:
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): A reliable combination of strength and aesthetics, featuring a metal core with a tooth-colored porcelain exterior.
- All-Ceramic: Provides excellent translucency and a lifelike appearance, ideal for front teeth.
- Zirconia: Exceptionally durable and resistant to wear, best for back teeth or high-bite-pressure areas while still offering natural aesthetics.
During your consultation, we’ll review your options and recommend the material that best suits your needs for appearance and performance.
Benefits of a Well-Designed Implant Restoration
A high-quality implant restoration does far more than replace a missing tooth. It helps maintain overall dental health, balance, and confidence.
- Restores natural chewing function.
- Matches the color and contour of your existing teeth.
- Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth.
- Preserves jawbone strength by maintaining even bite forces.
- Enhances comfort, appearance, and confidence.
- Can last many years with proper care.
Each restoration is crafted to blend invisibly with your smile while offering reliable function and comfort every day.
Caring for Your Implant Restoration
Proper care ensures that your implant restoration remains strong and beautiful for many years.
- Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to clean around the implant and crown.
- Floss Daily: Use floss or an interdental brush to remove plaque between the crown and adjacent teeth.
- Avoid Hard Objects: Refrain from biting on ice, pens, or very hard foods to protect the crown’s surface.
- Schedule Regular Checkups: Professional cleanings and exams help maintain gum health and confirm the stability of your implant.
- Address Issues Early: If you notice looseness, discomfort, or gum irritation, contact us promptly for evaluation.
A consistent oral care routine helps extend the lifespan of your restoration and keeps your implant secure.
Why Choose Whiteman Dental Associates for Implant Restorations in Boston
At Whiteman Dental Associates, we believe every restoration should perform as well as it looks. We approach each implant case with a balance of scientific precision and aesthetic sensitivity to ensure the final result is strong, natural, and long-lasting.
Dr. Whiteman’s decades of restorative expertise, combined with advanced in-office technology, allow for exceptional accuracy at every stage. Our team provides a calm, patient-focused environment where you can feel confident in your treatment plan.
Each patient benefits from continuity of care—you’ll see the same dedicated team throughout the process. We take pride in making implant restoration an experience that feels personal, comfortable, and completely tailored to your needs.
Book Your Implant Restoration Consultation in Boston, MA
If you’re ready to complete your dental implant or replace an existing crown, Whiteman Dental Associates can help you achieve a natural, confident smile. We’ll design a restoration that fits comfortably, functions flawlessly, and blends beautifully with your surrounding teeth.
Call our office today or request an appointment online to begin your implant restoration process.
Your Implant Restoration Questions Answered
How do I know if my implant is ready for restoration?
Your implant must be fully integrated with your jawbone before attaching the abutment and crown. Dr. Whiteman will evaluate healing through clinical exams and imaging before proceeding.
What happens if my implant crown becomes loose?
If a crown feels loose, it’s important to schedule an appointment promptly. In most cases, a simple adjustment or tightening resolves the issue without replacing the restoration.
Can I get a new crown for an existing implant?
Yes. We can design and place a new crown if your current one is damaged, stained, or outdated. The implant post and abutment can often remain intact.
How long does the restoration process take?
Once your implant is healed, the restoration process typically takes two to three visits, including assessment, impressions, and final placement.
Will my gums look natural around the implant?
With custom abutments, the gumline can be shaped and supported for a natural appearance. This helps your new crown emerge smoothly from the gums like a natural tooth.
Can implant crowns stain like natural teeth?
Porcelain and zirconia crowns resist staining better than natural enamel, but maintaining good oral hygiene helps preserve their brightness over time.
Are there differences in maintenance between screw-retained and cement-retained crowns?
Screw-retained crowns are easier to remove for maintenance, while cement-retained crowns provide a smoother, more aesthetic finish. Dr. Whiteman will recommend the best option for your needs.
Can multiple implants support a bridge or denture?
Yes. Implants can be strategically placed to support larger restorations like bridges or dentures, providing greater stability and function than traditional options.
Is there downtime after receiving the crown?
Most patients return to normal activities immediately. Mild tenderness may occur but typically resolves within a day or two.
How long do implant restorations last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular checkups, implant crowns and abutments can last 10 to 20 years or more, depending on materials and bite forces.