Missing a tooth changes more than your smile. It can shift how you chew, how you speak, and how confident you feel walking into a room. Implant crowns solve this problem at the root, replacing both the missing tooth and its supporting structure so your bite feels natural again.
We built our practice around exactly this kind of restorative work, and our patients throughout San Jose have come to trust us with their most personal dental concerns. As one of the dental implants options we offer, implant crowns give patients a permanent, natural-looking replacement that functions just like a real tooth.
An implant crown is a two-part restoration. A titanium post is placed into the jawbone, where it fuses with the bone over several months in a process called osseointegration. Once healed, we attach a custom-made crown to the top of that post, creating a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions like your natural one.
This differs from a traditional crown, which sits on top of a natural tooth that has been reshaped. An implant crown instead relies on the titanium post beneath the gum line for support, which means it does not require altering any neighboring teeth. Research published in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials found that permanent implant-supported restorations, including crowns, carried a survival rate above 96 percent, making this one of the most predictable long-term solutions in restorative dentistry.
Patients often come to us after losing a tooth to decay, trauma, or an old filling that finally failed. Rather than living with a gap or relying on a removable option, they want something that stays in place permanently. An implant crown restores that stability without the daily maintenance a partial denture or bridge might require.
We also see patients who have tried other restorations and want to upgrade to something more durable. Because the crown is supported by the jawbone itself, it also helps prevent the bone loss that often follows tooth loss, preserving the shape of the jaw and the surrounding facial structure over time.
Getting an implant crown typically happens in stages, spread across several months to allow the bone to heal properly around the implant post. We walk every patient through each phase so there are no surprises along the way.
The process begins with a thorough consultation where we evaluate your jawbone density, gum health, and overall oral health to confirm you are a good candidate. We use digital imaging to map out exactly where the implant post should go, which allows for precise placement and a smoother recovery.
Once the plan is set, we place the titanium post during a straightforward outpatient procedure. Over the following months, the post integrates with the surrounding bone. This healing period is essential, since the strength of that bond determines how well the finished crown will hold up over years of everyday use.
After healing is confirmed, we attach an abutment to the post and take impressions to design a crown that matches the size, shape, and color of your surrounding teeth. Once the custom crown is ready, we secure it to the abutment, completing the restoration. Patients typically leave this final appointment able to eat and speak normally right away.
Not every patient needs the same restoration, and part of our job is helping you understand which option fits your specific situation. Implant crowns tend to work best for patients with adequate jawbone density and healthy gums, though bone grafting can sometimes make candidacy possible for patients who would not otherwise qualify.
We often compare implant crowns against other restorative options, like traditional crowns and bridges, during a consultation so patients can weigh the tradeoffs for their own mouth and budget. Patients who are missing multiple teeth in a row may also want to learn about dentures and partials as an alternative or complementary approach, depending on how many teeth need replacing.
Cost is often a deciding factor, and we make sure every patient understands their financing options before moving forward. Beyond insurance, we offer flexible financing options including CareCredit and Cherry, which can make a permanent restoration far more manageable on a monthly budget.
At Aqua Dentistry, we have built our reputation on treating every patient like family, taking the time to explain each option clearly so you feel confident in your care. Our team combines advanced technology with a genuinely personal approach, whether you are replacing a single tooth or restoring your entire smile, and we serve patients throughout San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, and the surrounding communities.
We know that choosing to move forward with an implant crown is a big decision, and we are here to guide you through every step, from your first consultation to your final restoration. If you are ready to explore whether an implant crown is the right solution for your smile, contact our office to schedule a consultation with our team.
Dr. Jessica Mehta brings her unique blend of expertise and passion to our team. A graduate of the University of Southern California and the University of Washington’s General Practice Residency, she is dedicated to educating …
Dr. Aishwarya Kumar is the heart and soul behind our newly merged practice. With over eight years of experience treating patients across Silicon Valley, from Gilroy to San Jose, Dr. Kumar has built a reputation …
In most cases, composite bonding does not require anesthesia and is considered a comfortable procedure. The process involves gently etching the tooth surface and applying the resin material, which causes little to no discomfort for the majority of patients. If the bonding is being used to repair decay or damage very close to the nerve, we may apply a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout.
Composite dental bonding typically lasts between three and ten years, depending on the location of the bonded tooth, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you have any habits such as nail biting, teeth clenching, or chewing on hard objects. Front teeth that experience less biting pressure generally last longer. If the bonding chips or becomes stained, it can often be polished or touched up without a full replacement.
Coverage varies depending on your insurance plan and the reason for the treatment. When bonding is used to repair a chipped or broken tooth, it may be partially covered under restorative benefits. Bonding performed purely for cosmetic purposes, such as closing small gaps or covering stains, is typically not covered. Our team is happy to help you review your benefits and discuss financing options like CareCredit and Cherry if needed.
Composite bonding uses a resin material applied directly to the tooth in a single visit, making it faster and more affordable. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory and bonded to the tooth in a separate appointment, offering greater durability and stain resistance. Veneers typically require removing a thin layer of enamel, whereas bonding preserves most of the original tooth structure. We can help you decide which option is the better fit for your goals and budget during a consultation.
Caring for bonded teeth is straightforward. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss once a day, and schedule regular cleanings and check-ups. For the first few days after treatment, avoid deeply staining beverages like coffee and red wine. Avoid biting your nails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging, as these habits can shorten the lifespan of the bonding material. With proper care, bonded teeth can blend in and function naturally for many years.
I have been coming to Dr. Kumar for almost 2 years now and I am so thankful to have found her and the staff at Aqua Dentistry. She is so incredibly kind and personable, always taking time to sit down and talk with you through all your options so you can make the best informed decisions. I never feel pressured or confused about the care I’m receiving, which is something I have had issues with at past offices. I would absolutely recommend Dr. Kumar to anyone!!
-Jessica
