Protect your smile long-term with implant crowns—strong, natural-looking restorations that replace missing teeth and help prevent future dental issues.
A missing tooth does much more than affect your smile. Over time, the gap left behind may cause neighboring teeth to shift, make chewing difficult, and lead to bone loss in the jaw. If you have already had a dental implant placed or are considering the full process, the crown is what completes the restoration and makes your smile look and feel whole again. At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, we are here to walk you through every step of the process with clarity and care.
Implant crowns are custom-made restorations designed to sit on top of a dental implant post and function just like a natural tooth. Because this is one of the most lifelike tooth replacement options available, it is important to understand what makes a well-placed implant crown different from other solutions. As part of our restorative dentistry services, we take time to evaluate your bite, bone structure, and aesthetic goals before recommending any treatment so you feel confident in what we are doing and why.
Implant crowns represent the final stage of a dental implant restoration. Once the implant post has been surgically placed in the jawbone and has integrated with the surrounding bone tissue over a healing period, a connector piece called an abutment is attached. The crown is then secured to the abutment, capping the implant and restoring the full appearance and function of the missing tooth.
The material your implant crown is made from affects both its look and its durability. We most commonly use porcelain or zirconia crowns for front teeth because of how naturally they mimic the translucency and color of real enamel. For back teeth, where chewing forces are greater, we may recommend a porcelain-fused-to-metal or full zirconia crown for added strength.
Each crown is custom shaded and shaped to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. The goal is a restoration that no one can distinguish from your natural smile.
There are two primary methods for attaching a crown to a dental implant: screw-retained and cement-retained. Screw-retained crowns are secured directly to the abutment with a small screw, making them easier to remove for adjustments or maintenance if needed. Cement-retained crowns are bonded to the abutment with dental cement, offering a smooth finish with no visible access hole on top. We evaluate your specific anatomy and preferences to determine which method is the better fit for you.
If you have already had the implant post placed and your bone has fully healed around it, getting your crown placed is a straightforward process that typically takes just a couple of appointments.
During your first appointment, we take precise impressions or digital scans of your mouth. These measurements capture the exact shape, spacing, and bite of your surrounding teeth so the lab can fabricate a crown built specifically for you. We also select the appropriate shade to match your existing teeth at this stage.
Once your custom crown is ready, we bring you back in to seat it. We check the fit, bite alignment, and aesthetics carefully before permanently securing the restoration. Dr. Church uses advanced cone beam imaging and modern diagnostic tools to verify proper placement and make sure everything is functioning the way it should.
Dentures and bridges have their place in restorative care, but implant crowns offer several distinct advantages worth understanding. Unlike removable dentures, an implant crown is fixed in place and does not require adhesives or nightly removal. Unlike a traditional bridge, it does not require altering the teeth on either side of the gap. Most importantly, the implant post itself stimulates the jawbone the same way a natural tooth root would, helping to preserve bone density and facial structure over time.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), dental implants replace the roots of lost teeth and support single or multiple tooth restorations, making them one of the most functionally complete options available.
With proper care, implant crowns are built to last many years and can often perform comparably to natural teeth in terms of comfort and function. For patients who want a permanent, stable, and natural-looking result, this option is often well worth exploring.
One of the benefits of an implant crown is that it requires no special maintenance routine. You brush and floss it the same way you would a natural tooth. Keeping the gum tissue around the implant clean is especially important, as buildup in that area can contribute to inflammation over time.
We recommend continuing your regular general dentistry checkups so we can monitor the crown, the implant site, and your surrounding oral health. Routine professional cleanings also help keep the area healthy and allow us to catch any concerns early.
If you grind your teeth at night, we may suggest a custom nightguard to protect the crown and the implant from excessive force. This is a simple precaution that may extend the life of your restoration significantly.
Dr. Church brings a patient-first approach to every restorative case, taking time to make sure you fully understand your options and feel comfortable with every decision made on your behalf. His commitment to continuous learning and implementing current techniques means you are receiving care that reflects what is best in modern dentistry, without losing the personal attention that makes visits here different. You can learn more about his background and approach on the Dr. Church page.
If you are ready to complete your implant restoration or want to learn whether an implant crown may be right for you, we invite you to contact our office to schedule a consultation. We are proud to serve patients throughout Durham, NC, and look forward to helping you feel confident in your smile again.
Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.
When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.
Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.
While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.
We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.
We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.
Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.
At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.
Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.
Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704
Phone
(919) 220-6553
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| Monday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.
Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.
