Dental implants involve several steps from planning and surgery to healing and testing. Many patients ask, “What is the last step of dental implants?” The final stage is placing the permanent restoration — the crown, bridge, or full-arch prosthesis that looks, feels, and functions like real teeth. Touchstone’s in-house lab helps make these final prostheses quickly and precisely, so patients get a better fit and faster delivery.
A quick recap of the implant journey
Surgery and healing
Implant placement is a surgical step where a titanium post is set into the jawbone. The bone needs time to fuse to the implant — a process called osseointegration. This healing period is why the final restoration waits until the implant is stable and can support long-term chewing forces.
Temporary (provisional) restorations
While healing occurs, patients often receive temporary crowns or dentures. These provisionals protect the site, restore basic function and appearance, and let the team test your bite and smile before making the permanent prosthesis.
What is the last step of dental implants? The permanent restoration
The last step of dental implants is attaching the permanent restoration. This final piece restores chewing, speech, and appearance. It’s customized for color, shape, and function so the result is natural-looking and strong enough for daily use.
Types of permanent restorations
Permanent options include a single-tooth crown, an implant-supported bridge for multiple missing teeth, or a fixed full-arch prosthesis for full-mouth replacement. Restorations can be screw-retained or cement-retained, with choices based on access, retrievability, and esthetic needs.
Materials and design choices for the final prosthesis
Materials range from high-strength zirconia to acrylic with reinforced frameworks. Zirconia offers excellent strength and esthetics; acrylic is lighter and easier to adjust. CAD/CAM planning and digital smile design guide shape, fit, and color so the final restoration looks natural and fits precisely.
How the team decides the right permanent restoration
Decisions consider bone support, bite alignment, esthetic goals, budget, and long-term care needs. Digital planning, trial restorations, and try-in stages let the team confirm fit and appearance before final milling, reducing surprises at delivery.
Why an in-house lab matters for the last step of dental implants
An on-site lab speeds up design, milling, and 3D printing. That means faster turnaround, fewer remakes, and better quality control from start to finish. Touchstone’s in-house milling and 3D printing let technicians adjust and deliver more precise final prostheses, often with same-day provisional workflows.
What happens at the final appointment
At the final visit the team performs a try-in, checks occlusion and esthetics, makes small adjustments, and then tightens or cements the restoration. You’ll get instructions for care and a follow-up plan. Most patients can eat soft foods right away and return to normal chewing within days.
Longevity, maintenance, and what to watch for
Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups keep restorations healthy. Watch for loosening, unusual pain, or swelling and contact the office if problems arise. Rescue options like LAPIP™ and warranty protocols can protect your investment if complications occur.
About Touchstone Dental Implant Centers and Dr. Justin F. Becerra
Touchstone is an end-to-end implant center led by Dr. Justin F. Becerra, DDS, with advanced implant training and fellowship-track credentials. The practice uses digital planning, an on-site lab, in-house milling, 3D printing, LAPIP™, broad sedation options including general anesthesia, and a maintenance-driven 10-year warranty to support durable, predictable outcomes.
Next steps for readers
To schedule a consult, bring any recent x-rays and your medical history. At the initial assessment you’ll get a personalized plan, digital previews, and clear steps toward the final restoration — the true last step of dental implants. Contact the office to book your evaluation and learn about financing and timelines.
