Implant Restorations & Crowns
The crown on top of the implant — including implants placed by another dentist or overseas.
Overview
A dental implant is two separate jobs: the surgery that puts the titanium post into the bone, and the restoration that builds the visible tooth on top of it. This page is about the second half — the custom abutment and crown that turn a healed implant into a working tooth. It is also the part that determines how the result looks, how it cleans, and how the bite loads the implant over the following years.
Denvida restores implants placed elsewhere, which matters to patients who had surgery in another country or moved mid-treatment. Dr. Na Zhao's PhD is in restorative dentistry, and the practice identifies the implant system from your records or a CBCT scan before ordering components — mixing incompatible parts is the most common reason an outside implant cannot be restored as-is.
Options & Types
Screw-retained crown
The crown screws directly into the implant with no cement — easiest to remove later for maintenance or repair.
Cement-retained crown
Cemented onto a custom abutment. Often chosen for front teeth where no screw access hole should show.
Zirconia vs porcelain-metal
Zirconia is metal-free and translucent for visible teeth; porcelain-fused-to-metal remains a durable option for back teeth under heavy load.
The Process
- 1
Free consult + identify the implant
A CBCT scan and your records establish the implant system, its position and whether the surrounding bone and gum are healthy enough to restore.
- 2
Digital scan & shade match
An intraoral scan replaces putty impressions; the shade and translucency are matched to the neighbouring teeth.
- 3
Custom abutment & crown made
The lab builds the abutment and crown to the scan. This usually takes two to three weeks.
- 4
Fit, bite check & delivery
The crown is seated, the bite is adjusted so the implant is not overloaded, and cleaning technique is reviewed with you.
Cost & Financing
| Procedure | Bay Area range | Denvida |
|---|---|---|
| Implant restoration (abutment + crown) | $1,800–$3,000 | written estimate |
| Complete implant incl. surgery, for comparison | $4,500–$6,500 | from $3,500 |
| 3D CBCT scan | $250–$500 | free with consult |
Ranges are Bay Area market references, not quotes. Restoring an implant placed elsewhere can require a system-specific component, which is confirmed before any work starts. Denvida gives a detailed written estimate before treatment and is in-network with Delta Dental & Cigna; financing available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a crown on an implant placed by another dentist?
Yes. Denvida in San Mateo regularly restores implants placed by other dentists or overseas. The first step is identifying the implant system from your records or a CBCT scan, because the abutment must match that specific brand and platform. Once the system is confirmed and the bone and gum are healthy, the restoration proceeds normally.
How much does an implant crown cost in San Mateo?
An implant restoration — the custom abutment plus the crown, with the implant already in place — typically runs $1,800–$3,000 in the Bay Area. That is less than a complete implant including surgery, which is $4,500–$6,500. Denvida gives a free consultation with a written estimate and is in-network with Delta Dental and Cigna.
How long does an implant crown last?
The crown is a wear component and typically lasts 10–15 years before it may need replacing, while the titanium implant underneath can last 20+ years or a lifetime. Replacing just the crown later is far simpler and cheaper than replacing the whole implant.
My implant has had no crown for years — is it too late?
Often not, but it needs to be assessed. An implant left unloaded can stay perfectly healthy, but the gum may have grown over it and the surrounding bone can change, and a discontinued implant system may need a custom-machined abutment. A CBCT scan at the free consultation shows whether it can be restored or should be replaced.
Related Services
Free consultation + 3D scan
Meet Dr. Na Zhao (DDS, PhD) for a no-obligation consultation, 3D scan and written estimate. Mandarin & Spanish spoken.