Day after day, more and more people ask their local dentists questions about dental implants. People want to know how much dental implants cost and how long a surgical procedure usually lasts. They want to know about the reliability of implants, and whether they're a better alternative to removable dentures.

More people have these questions than they let on. Lots of people don't have time to consult with a dentist face to face, while others don't even know where to begin with their questions.

If you're one of those people, you are in luck. Today's blog post is all about dental implants. We are here to reveal the fundamentals, the fun facts, and everything in between. Should you find yourself looking to speak a little more about dental implants, call Dr. Suzanne Caudry at (416) 928-3444.

Parts of a Dental Implant

When we refer to dental implants, what we are actually referring to is a handful of elements that comprise the entire artificial tooth. The part of the prosthetic tooth that mimics the root of a natural tooth is known as the actual implant. There is also the abutment and the crown.

The Dental Implant

The roots of our teeth are strong. They're strong enough to withstand pressure, impact, and all the food we consume over the course of our lives. When the time came for professionals to make fashion an artificial tooth that was as strong-if not stronger-than a real tooth, they knew they needed use an extremely strong material. That is why we fashion artificial roots out of titanium. The titanium root acts as an anchor for the rest of the tooth.

Through a process known as osseointegration, the titanium root fuses with the existing bone in the jaw. There are some alloys that the body rejects, but titanium alloys have an incredible success rate.

Dental Abutment

The dental abutment is another crucial component of the artificial tooth. The abutment sits at the topmost base of the implant. Typically made of titanium, we use the abutment to securely connect the dental implant to the dental crown.

Dental Crown

The dental crown is one of the most crucial parts of the dental implant. The dental crown is a permanent cap designed to resemble one of your natural teeth. Your periodontist secures the dental crown to the abutment after the dental implant itself has healed without issue.

Are Dental Implants Convincing?

Lots of people fear getting a dental implant because they are worried that people will notice that they have lost one or several of their natural teeth. They worry that the dental implant and crown will stand out from the rest of their teeth-but is this true? Can the untrained eye really separate a dental implant from the rest of the teeth?

Believe it or not, most people will never be able to notice that you have a dental implant. Dental implants are not gimmicks or half-measures for permanent problems. They are a practical, long-lasting, and fully customized alternative to a natural tooth.

For most people, they are more than a convincing substitute-they are indistinguishable. At the facilities of Dr. Caudry, we go to great lengths to create a dental implant that suits your smile perfectly. After all, we are not just in the business of dental restoration. We are in the business of smile restoration, as well.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

People come to us with suspicions about the lifespan of dental implants. After all, if someone loses a natural tooth after three or four decades, how long can anyone expect an artificial tooth to last?

We encourage people to set aside concerns about longevity. So long as you remain vigilant in the tooth-care department, you won't have anything to worry about. The same things that can lead to decay with a natural tooth will negatively impact an artificial tooth, so be sure to brush, floss, and follow the guidelines laid out by your periodontist and regular dentist. With any luck, your dental implant will last you decades and decades.

That said, there are immunocompromised individuals who may have to take better care than usual. Complications may arise, but your periodontist should be able to help you in times of need.

Can You Fix a Damaged Crown?

Dental crowns and implants are just as strong as natural teeth, if not stronger. That said, the dental crown is not indestructible. An accident or a hard piece of food might lead to a chipped tooth. In times such as those, you might find yourself fearing the worst-but don't panic. Much like a natural tooth, it is often possible to repair a chip or crack in a dental crown.

Depending on the nature of the chip or crack, we may be able to fill the chip in with a type of resin. If the damage proves too extensive for the resin material, we can make plans to remove the damaged cap or crown and replace it with a new one.

What to Expect from Dental Implant Surgery

At the facilities of Dr. Caudry, we go to great lengths to ensure patient comfort at every turn. From the consultation to the post-operative checkup, you'll have our full attention. As for the surgical procedure itself, we promise minimal discomfort and impressive turnaround times. Patients and professionals alike hold Dr. Caudry's practice in high regard for many reasons, one of them being her computer-guided approach to dental surgery.

Learn More About Dental Implants Today

As you can see, the world of dental implantology and periodontics is quite vast. As the years go by, dental implant processes will only change. That said, you can rest easy knowing that Dr. Caudry and her staff will only incorporate the tools that prioritize precision and the overall comfort of the patient.

Do you have any other questions about dental implants? If so, we invite you to contact our offices. We are always willing to field the questions of people in our community.