The solution for missing teeth has changed drastically over the years. Dental implants are now one of the most popular forms of tooth replacement that provide unmatched stability and durability. However, they weren’t always made of titanium and have endured quite the journey to becoming what they are today. Read on to learn from your dentist in Coppell about their evolution and how today’s implants are more beneficial than ever.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are posts surgically inserted into the jawbone. They are a unique solution to missing teeth because they replace the entire tooth structure from the root up. The implant post fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, creating a stable foundation for an abutment that supports the crown, bridge, or denture. Implants are a great solution for tooth loss because they give you a smile that looks, feels, and functions just like it’s comprised of natural teeth.
The Evolution of Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most advanced treatment for missing teeth, but they didn’t always occupy this spot atop the mountain. Here’s the history behind this tooth-replacement method:
Origin
According to several historical records, dental implants have been around for well over a thousand years. Many civilizations implanted foreign materials into the jawbone as a solution for tooth loss. For example, archaeologists discovered materials like seashells and carved stones embedded into the jaws of ancient Mayans, dating back to 600 A.D. In some instances, the materials fused with the bone – just like modern dental implants!
Modern Era
In the 1950s, the dental implantation process made a significant advancement. It was discovered, purely by accident, that metal titanium can fuse with the bone to create an effective dental implant. Thus, the term osseointegration was born. The first titanium dental implant procedure was in 1965, and since then, titanium has become the go-to material for this procedure.
Ongoing Evolution
Today, advances in dental implant research, materials, and design are ongoing as technology evolves. The latest software allows dentists to plan treatment more effectively, achieve optimum placement of implants, and promote bone growth more predictably.
Benefits of Today’s Dental Implants
You can expect to reap several benefits with modern-day dental implants, including:
- A roughened design that allows greater surface area for the jawbone to fuse with, facilitating a stronger bond.
- Advancements in implant materials provide patients with a faster healing time. Now, some people can complete the healing and fusion stage of treatment in as little as six weeks!
- They’re biocompatible, meaning they’re nonallergenic and readily accepted by your body. They help trigger osseointegration, a critical step in implant therapy.
Dental implants are a highly functional, advanced, and aesthetically pleasing solution for missing teeth. Consult with your dentist in Coppell about taking steps toward a restored smile and get ready to enjoy the benefits!
About the Author
Dr. Darrell Steele earned his dental doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry. Today, he is proud to have been the first oral surgeon’s office in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to have used the YOMI dental implant robot! Robotically guided dental implant surgery allows his team to place dental implants in a safer, more comfortable, and more predictable way. If you are interested in dental implants, he offers a complimentary evaluation and panoramic X-rays. Schedule that evaluation on his website or call (972) 315-3355.
