Breaking Down the Different Parts of a Dental Implant
Posted on September 27, 2024
Dental implants offer reliable and long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, dental implants provide the feel, function, and appearance of natural teeth. One of the key reasons for their effectiveness is how each component of a dental implant—the fixture, abutment, and crown—works together seamlessly to achieve the final result. Each part has a distinct role, and together they contribute to enhancing bone structure, enabling proper bite force, and maintaining long-term oral health. With proper care and check-ins with your local periodontist in Oshawa, dental implants can last a lifetime, making them a valuable and worthy investment for your smile.
For anyone considering dental implants, it’s essential to understand how these devices work and the components that make them so effective. Here are the different parts of a dental implant and their role in restoring your smile functionality.
The Implant or Post
The implant, also known as the fixture or post, is the part of the dental implant that is surgically placed into the jaw bone. At The Perio Centre, our implants are made of biocompatible titanium, and it is designed to integrate with the bone through a process called osseointegration. Over time, the bone cells grow around the implant, anchoring it securely in place. This integration provides a stable foundation for the artificial tooth that will eventually be attached. One of the main advantages of using titanium is its strength and durability, but also its high success rate when it comes to bonding with human bone. This process of bone fusion ensures that dental implants can withstand a similar amount of force as natural teeth during chewing and biting. For implant surgery to be successful, you must have sufficient bone density to support the procedure. To find out if you would be a good candidate for dental implant surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Adam Ohayon, a leading periodontist in Oshawa at The Perio Centre.
The Abutment
After the implant has fused with the jawbone, an abutment is attached. The abutment is a small connector piece that sits just above the gum line, linking the implant to the replacement tooth (crown). It’s typically made of titanium but depends on the specific needs of the patient. The design and material of the abutment can vary, but its primary function is to support and hold the crown securely in place, connecting it to the implant itself. Without the abutment, it would be impossible to attach a prosthetic tooth to the implant. Your periodontist will customize the abutment to ensure a perfect fit for the patient’s unique bite and mouth structure.
The Crown
The crown is a prosthetic tooth, which is the visible part of the dental implant that looks and functions like a natural tooth. In most cases the crown is typically made of porcelain or ceramic to match the colour, shape, and size of the surrounding teeth, ensuring a natural appearance. Once attached to the abutment, the crown restores both the function and aesthetics of your smile, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.
How Dental Implants Work to Strengthen Your Smile
These surgical-grade titanium posts are embedded into the jaw bone, serving as an anchor for replacement teeth. They’re an excellent option for those who’ve lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other dental issues. A key reason why dental implants are so valuable and highly recommended by periodontists in Oshawa is their ability to preserve the facial structure by stimulating the jaw bone, prevent bone loss, and improve quality of life. Each part of the dental implant has a specific role in improving the feel, function, and appearance of the tooth.
- The post is the foundation for the crown and the rest of the structure, as such it is key to enabling strength, stability, and durability. The tooth implant post is also key to stimulating the jaw bone and protecting the overall facial structure.
- The abutment is important for ensuring that the implant gives you long-lasting and effective bite strength. Properly placed and designed abutments ensure that force is distributed evenly throughout the crown and jaw bone to facilitate eating comfortably. Abutments can now be placed at the time of surgery preventing a second procedure.
- The crown is the final piece of the puzzle and incredibly important for eating and using your teeth like a natural tooth. Another role of the crown is to maintain smile aesthetics by properly being matched to the rest of your smile.
Explore Implants with a Leading Periodontist in Oshawa
At The Perio Centre, Dr. Adam Ohayon, a trusted periodontist in Oshawa and the nearby areas is committed to providing tailored periodontal solutions that are long-lasting and functional. Using advanced imaging techniques, leading technology, and high-quality materials, our team will help you transform your smile. To get started, book a consultation.
Contact Us Today.