Dental Crowns and Dental Implants: How They Work Together

Dental implants and crowns work together to restore chewing function and smile appearance. 

Dental implants topped by dental crowns are a smart solution to replace lost or missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most popular options for tooth replacement in the United States. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a quarter of Americans over the age of 74 have lost all their teeth. So, if you’re thinking of replacing missing teeth, you’re not alone. Before you do, it’s important to understand why and how teeth should be replaced.

Why you should replace missing teeth

Missing teeth cause embarrassment for many people, But missing teeth also wreak havoc on overall health. Healthy teeth maintain the structural integrity of your jawbone and facial shape.  Your teeth allow you to eat and speak properly. Missing one tooth puts you at risk for further tooth loss. And, the longer you wait before replacing missing teeth, the more bone deterioration occurs, so it’s important to take action. 

How dental implants and crowns replace missing teeth

There are different options available to replace missing teeth. Tooth replacement options include: 

• Dental Implants with Crowns
• Dentures | Cosmetic Dentures 
• Implant Secured Dentures
• Dental Bridges

Bridges and dentures are the more affordable option, but they are nowhere near as durable as implants and crowns. Bridges also tend to damage and weaken the teeth on either side . This can compromise overall oral health and can lead to further tooth loss. 

The most long-lasting solution is implants with crowns. Dental implants with  crowns are considered the gold standard for care. That’s because dental implants permanently replace the roots of your teeth and naturally fuse to your jawbone. Dental implants also preserve the bone, and therefore are best for prolonged oral health. Dentists prefer implants topped with crowns for this reason. 

The benefits of dental implants with crowns are:

• Restore your ability to eat and chew.
• Implants improve facial features by preserving jawbone structure. 
• Implants fuse to the bone and become the tooth root gaining strength over time.
• Implants can last a lifetime when properly cared for. 
• Implants and crowns easily fit in with adjacent teeth.
• Crowns look like real teeth and emerge from the gum just like natural teeth do. 

To achieve these benefits, implants are put into place during a surgical procedure. As for how implants and crowns work together; it’s simple. For severe tooth loss, four or six implants (also called All-on-4 or All-on-6) are surgically placed. Custom-made crowns are then either secured with cement adhesive or screwed into place. 

At the offices of Dr. Sarah Frahm, custom, natural-looking crowns are created in one day using CEREC technology. Made from porcelain or ceramic, CEREC crowns fit precisely and match the exact shade of your tooth, making them indistinguishable from your other teeth. 

If you are ready to see how quickly and beautifully custom crowns can transform your smile, please call 831-372-8011 today or contact Dr. Sarah Frahm. We proudly serve patients in and around the communities of Monterey, Carmel, and Pebble Beach.