Implants and Crowns: Your Complete Guide to Dental Restoration in Durham, NC

Restoring your smile requires the right dental treatment for your unique needs. At Local Start Dental in Durham, NC, we specialize in providing comprehensive restorative solutions, including implants and crowns that help patients regain function and confidence. Whether you face missing teeth, a damaged tooth, or need complete restoration after decay, understanding your options empowers you to make informed decisions.

Dental implants and dental crowns represent two of the most effective restorative treatments available today. These procedures work together or independently to replace missing teeth, protect weak structures, and restore your natural look. Our experienced dentist team guides you through every step, from initial consultation to final crown placement, ensuring comfortable care and beautiful results.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants provide a permanent tooth replacement solution for patients dealing with missing teeth. Unlike dentures or bridges, an implant works by replacing both the tooth root and crown. The dental implant involves placing a titanium post into the jaw bone, where it fuses with surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration. This creates a stable foundation that closely mimic your natural tooth structure. The titanium post serves as an artificial tooth root, providing the support needed for a crown to be attached.

This design allows dental implants to function just like your own teeth, restoring full chewing function without affecting other teeth. Patients appreciate how dental implants help preserve jawbone density and prevent the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth.

Quick tip: Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care, making them a cost-effective long-term investment in your oral health.

What Do Dental Implants Require?

Dental implants require adequate bone density in the jaw to support the titanium post. During your initial consultation, our dentist evaluates your jawbone through X-rays and examinations to determine if you qualify as a candidate. Patients who have experienced significant bone loss may need a bone graft procedure before implant surgery can proceed. A bone graft adds material to strengthen the jaw and create sufficient support for the implant. This additional step ensures successful integration and long-term stability of your dental implants.

The entire process requires several months to complete as the bone must heal and fuse with the implant before crown placement can occur. Our team monitors your progress throughout the healing period to ensure optimal results.

What to Expect with Dental Implant Surgery

Dental implant surgery takes place in our dentist's office under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. The procedure begins when the dentist creates a small opening in the gums to access the jawbone. The titanium post gets carefully positioned into the bone at the precise angle and depth needed for stability.

After placement, the gums are sutured closed and the healing process begins. Most patients experience minimal discomfort following implant surgery. You may notice some swelling or tenderness for a few days, which responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. During the initial recovery period, eating soft foods helps protect the surgical site and promotes healing.

Did you know? The success rate for dental implants exceeds 95%, making them one of the most reliable tooth replacement options available.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns serve as protective caps that cover and restore damaged or weakened tooth structure. A crown encases the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, providing strength and improving appearance. Dentists recommend crowns for several reasons: to protect a tooth after a root canal, to restore a broken tooth, to cover a damaged tooth with extensive decay, or to complete a dental implant.

Crowns restore the natural shape and function of your tooth while matching the appearance of your surrounding teeth. The custom crown gets designed to fit precisely over your existing tooth or implant, creating a seamless restoration.

Patients receive crowns that allow them to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Modern crowns come in several types, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs and aesthetic preferences. Your dentist helps you choose the best material based on the tooth location, your bite, and the amount of natural tooth remaining.

Quick tip: Crowns on back teeth handle heavy chewing forces, while crowns on visible teeth prioritize aesthetic appeal and natural appearance.

Ceramic Crowns

Ceramic crowns contain no metal and provide the most natural look for visible teeth. These crowns reflect light similar to natural tooth enamel, creating an authentic appearance that blends seamlessly with your smile. The ceramic material can be color-matched to your existing teeth for optimal aesthetic results. Patients choose ceramic crowns for front teeth and other highly visible areas where appearance matters most. The tooth-colored material makes ceramic crowns virtually undetectable in your mouth. While ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics, they work best in areas with moderate chewing pressure.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns, often fused to a metal base, combine strength with attractive appearance. The metal substructure provides durability while the porcelain overlay creates a tooth-colored surface. This design makes porcelain crowns suitable for both front and back teeth. The porcelain layer can be customized to match your natural tooth shade, providing a balanced combination of function and aesthetics. These crowns handle regular chewing forces well while maintaining their appearance over time. Porcelain crowns represent a popular choice for patients seeking both durability and natural aesthetics.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns use gold alloy or other metal materials to provide maximum strength and longevity. These crowns resist wear and break far less than other types, making them ideal for back molars that endure heavy chewing forces. Metal crowns require less tooth structure removal during preparation compared to other crown types. While gold crowns remain visible when you smile, many patients choose them for rear teeth where strength outweighs cosmetic concerns. Metal crowns last longer than ceramic crowns and rarely chip or fracture. The durability makes them a practical choice for patients who grind their teeth or have a strong bite.

Did you know? Zirconia crowns combine the strength of metal crowns with the appearance of ceramic crowns, offering an excellent option for back teeth that show when you smile.

Dental Implant Surgery

The dental implant surgery process unfolds in carefully planned stages to ensure successful integration. Your journey begins with a comprehensive examination where our dentist reviews your medical history and evaluates your oral health. Digital imaging helps us plan the exact placement of your implant for optimal results.

During the surgery phase, the dentist places the titanium post into your jawbone through a precise surgical procedure. If insufficient bone exists, a bone graft may be performed first to build adequate support. The implant then needs time to integrate with the jawbone, a process that takes several months. After the implant fuses with the bone, a small connector piece called an abutment gets attached to the post. This abutment serves as the anchor point for your final crown. The gums need a brief healing period around the abutment before crown placement can proceed.

Throughout the healing stages, our team monitors your progress and ensures proper integration. The final step involves attaching a custom crown to the abutment, completing your tooth replacement. The result looks and functions like a natural tooth, providing a permanent solution to tooth loss. Learn more about preventing future tooth loss to protect your remaining teeth.

Crown Placement

Crown placement requires careful preparation of your existing tooth to create room for the restoration. The dentist removes decay and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. This preparation ensures a proper fit and secure attachment. Impressions of your prepared tooth get sent to a dental lab where skilled technicians create your custom crown.

While the dental lab fabricates your permanent crown, you receive a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth. The temporary crown maintains your appearance and function during the fabrication period, which takes about two weeks. You should avoid sticky or hard foods while wearing the temporary crown to prevent dislodgement.

When your permanent crown arrives from the lab, you return for the final placement appointment. The dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit and appearance of your new crown, and makes any needed adjustments. Once satisfied with the fit and color, the dentist cements the crown securely to your tooth. The crown placement process transforms damaged or weakened teeth into strong, functional restorations.

Crowns placed on dental implants follow a similar process, with the crown attaching to the abutment rather than a natural tooth. Both approaches restore your ability to eat comfortably and smile confidently.

Benefits of Dental Implants and Crowns

Both dental implants and crowns offer substantial benefits for your oral health and quality of life. These restorations provide a natural look that blends seamlessly with your smile, making it difficult for others to detect your dental work. The appearance of modern crowns and implants matches your natural teeth in color, shape, and translucency. Chewing function improves dramatically with these restorations. You regain the ability to eat your favorite foods without worry or discomfort. Dental implants and crowns distribute bite forces evenly, protecting your jaw and remaining teeth from excessive stress.

Your oral health benefits as these treatments preserve tooth structure and prevent further damage. Crowns protect weak teeth from fracture, while implants prevent bone loss in the jaw. Both options contribute to long-term dental health when maintained with proper care. The aesthetic appeal of these restorations boosts confidence and encourages you to smile freely without self-consciousness about your teeth.

Dental Work Considerations

Several factors influence which treatment option suits your situation best. The location of the damaged or missing tooth affects material choice and procedure planning. Front teeth prioritize appearance, while back teeth require maximum strength. The condition of your surrounding teeth and gums also plays a role in treatment selection. Our dentist considers your medical history to ensure safe treatment.

Certain health conditions or medications may affect healing or require modified approaches. We review all relevant factors during your consultation to create a personalized treatment plan. Proper care extends the life of your dental implants and crowns. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit our office for routine checkups. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects.

During initial recovery, stick to soft foods as recommended to protect your new restorations. Treatment costs vary based on the complexity of your case and the materials selected. Local Start Dental offers sliding scale fees based on household income, making quality care accessible. We accept NC Medicaid and provide flexible financing through Proceed Finance and CareCredit.

While we don't work directly with private insurance companies like Humana, BCBS, or Aetna, we provide detailed records for you to submit claims to your insurance provider. Combining our sliding scale with your insurance reimbursement maximizes your savings. For patients concerned about affordability options, we help you find a payment solution that fits your budget.

For additional information about dental health and preventive care in Durham, visit the UNC Adams School of Dentistry, where dental education and community care advance together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental implants and crowns last?

Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The crown attached to an implant typically lasts 10-15 years before needing replacement due to normal wear. Crowns placed on natural teeth last 5-15 years depending on the material, location, and how well you care for them. Regular dental visits help us monitor your restorations and address any concerns before they become problems.

Can I get a crown and implant on the same day?

Traditional dental implants require months of healing before crown placement can occur. However, some patients qualify for immediate load implants where a temporary crown gets placed the same day as surgery. Your dentist evaluates your bone quality and overall health to determine if you're a candidate for this accelerated approach. Most patients receive their permanent crown three to six months after implant surgery.

Do crowns and implants require special care?

Dental implants and crowns need the same care as your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss around the restoration, and schedule regular dental cleanings. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects that could damage the crown. Patients who grind their teeth should wear a night guard to protect their restorations from excessive forces.

What happens if I need a tooth extracted before getting an implant?

Sometimes tooth extractions must occur before implant placement can proceed. After extraction, the socket needs time to heal and the bone must be adequate for implant support. Some patients receive an implant immediately after extraction if bone quality permits. Your dentist creates a timeline that ensures proper healing and optimal implant success.

Are dental implants and crowns painful?

Modern techniques and anesthesia make both procedures comfortable. You receive local anesthesia during crown preparation and implant surgery to eliminate pain. After the anesthesia wears off, most patients experience mild discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Any significant pain should be reported to your dentist promptly.

Does Local Start Dental offer both implants and crowns?

Yes, Local Start Dental provides comprehensive general dentistry services including both dental implants and crown placement. Our experienced team handles every stage of your restoration, from initial consultation through final placement. We also offer related services like veneers and cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile.

How do I know if I need a crown or an implant?

If your tooth can be saved, a crown provides protection and restoration. When a tooth is missing or must be extracted, an implant offers a permanent replacement. Sometimes you need both: an implant topped with a crown to replace a missing tooth. Our dentist examines your mouth, takes X-rays, and discusses your options to determine the best treatment for your situation. If you have a broken tooth, we can often schedule same-day solutions.

Restore Your Smile at Local Start Dental

Dental implants and crowns transform damaged or missing teeth into beautiful, functional restorations. These proven treatments offer lasting solutions that improve both your appearance and oral health. Whether you need one tooth restored or multiple teeth replaced, our team provides expert care tailored to your needs. Local Start Dental serves the Durham community with comprehensive restorative dentistry in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

Our commitment to accessible care means we work with your budget through sliding scale fees, flexible financing, and Medicaid acceptance. We partner with you to create a treatment plan that restores your smile and fits your financial situation. Don't let damaged or missing teeth hold you back from the confident smile you deserve. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options for dental implants and crowns.

Call us at 919.569.5533 or visit our dental services page to learn more. You can also contact us online to request an appointment. Our knowledgeable team looks forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health.

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Disclaimer

This article provides general information about dental implants and crowns for educational purposes only. It should not replace professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your dental health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of information you read online. If you have a dental emergency, contact Local Start Dental or seek immediate care at an emergency facility.