Dental Implant Restorations in Birmingham, AL
Complete your smile with a restoration for an existing dental implant. Our Birmingham team evaluates the implant, plans the replacement tooth, and helps you understand the next steps. We provide implant restorations, not surgical placement.
What is a dental implant restoration?
An implant restoration is the replacement tooth attached to an implant already placed in the jaw. Smile Craft provides the restorative part of implant care, not surgical implant placement. An exam helps determine whether an existing implant is ready for a crown or needs further evaluation.
Placement and restoration are different steps
The implant is the support placed in the jaw by a clinician who provides implant surgery. The restoration is the visible tooth or teeth supported by that implant. A connecting component, called an abutment, may join the implant and the crown.
If you do not yet have an implant, the surgical step must be planned separately with an appropriate provider. Smile Craft evaluates restorative needs; implant placement is not performed at this practice.
Who may be ready for an implant crown?
Patients with a healed implant and a missing tooth may be candidates for a custom implant-supported crown. The dentist checks the implant, surrounding gums, bite, available space, and compatibility of the implant components before recommending restoration.
Bring any implant records, the implant brand or component information, and details from the clinician who placed it. Not every implant is immediately ready to restore; inflammation, inadequate healing, or implant movement requires assessment first.
What to expect during restorative care
Your visit begins with an exam and any necessary imaging. Once the implant is suitable for restoration, measurements or impressions help plan the crown’s fit, shade, and bite. The dentist checks the finished restoration before attaching it and explains how to clean around it.
Timing depends on healing, component availability, and laboratory work. The restorative schedule is not the same as the full surgical-to-restoration timeline, and the dentist will explain which steps apply to you.
Costs, alternatives, and ongoing care
A written treatment estimate should distinguish the crown and connecting components from any surgical costs charged by another provider. Insurance benefits vary; our team can discuss coverage and Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit eligibility.
Depending on the missing tooth and your oral health, a bridge or removable partial denture may be an alternative. Implant restorations still need daily cleaning and regular exams. A loose crown, discomfort, swelling, or a change in your bite should be checked rather than ignored.
Dentist review
Dr. Christopher Swicord, DMD
Clinical review pending approval
DMD, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, 2022. Dr. Swicord’s clinical experience includes implant restorations and fixed restorative dentistry.
This information has not yet been approved as clinically reviewed by Dr. Swicord. It is general education, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Dr. Swicord’s biography and credentialsExplore your options
Custom restoration planning for existing implants
Evaluation of fit, bite, and gum health
Written estimate for recommended restorative care
Cherry, Sunbit, and CareCredit financing options
Discuss your existing implant with our team
Smile Craft Cosmetic & Family Dentistry serves Birmingham, Homewood, Hoover, Vestavia Hills, and Mountain Brook. Call (205) 637-6018 or request an appointment to discuss your implant restoration.
Bring your implant and surgical records if available. Our team can explain the restorative steps after examining your mouth and reviewing the implant information.
Dental implant restoration questions
Quick answers from our Birmingham, AL dental team.