Are you considering dental implants? Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option that has been around for several decades. They have gained widespread popularity due to their effectiveness, durability, and natural appearance. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about dental implants, including 12 interesting facts about them.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium that are surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the implant fuses with the bone, a custom-made prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant, creating a natural-looking and functioning replacement for the missing tooth. They look and function like natural teeth, and patients can eat and speak with confidence.
The first dental implant has been traced back to 600 AD.
The first recorded instance of a dental implant dates back to around 600 AD, in what is now Honduras. An ancient Mayan woman had a tooth-shaped piece of shell hammered into her jawbone to replace a missing tooth. Although this technique was crude compared to modern dental implant procedures, it demonstrated an understanding of the concept of osseointegration, the process by which an implant fuses with the bone. The Mayans used a variety of materials for dental procedures, including jade, stone, and animal teeth, but the use of shell for dental implants is particularly noteworthy as it is an example of a material that is not found naturally in the body being used for implantation. This early dental implant is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient civilizations in developing innovative solutions for dental problems.
Dental implants can preserve natural bone.
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that can help preserve bone mass in the jaw. When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it can begin to deteriorate over time. This can cause the surrounding teeth to shift and the overall structure of the jaw to weaken. Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and mimic the function of natural tooth roots. This stimulates the bone tissue and encourages new bone growth around the implant. As a result, the jawbone remains strong and healthy, helping to maintain the natural shape and structure of the face. In contrast, other tooth replacement options such as dentures or bridges do not stimulate the bone in the same way, and over time, can lead to bone loss and changes in the shape of the face. By preserving bone mass, dental implants not only improve the appearance and function of the teeth but also contribute to the overall health of the jaw and surrounding tissues.
The first dental screw implant was placed in 1937.
It’s hard to imagine, but prior to 1937, dental implants weren’t high on dentists’ priority lists since they lacked adequate technology to place them. Then in 1937, the first successful screw implant was placed into a patient’s jawbone. This revolutionary discovery changed the landscape of modern dentistry as we know it – doctors now had an effective way to replace missing teeth with metal prostheses. Flash forward 83 years and dental implant placement is one of the most popular dental procedures around, allowing millions of people to regain confidence in their smiles.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry was founded in 1951.
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has been a leading authority in dental implantology since its founding in 1951. Its members are dedicated to advancing the art, science, and practice of implant dentistry for the benefit of clinicians and their patients. It is devoted to restoring health and function, as well as providing the highest quality dental care possible. AAID is committed to ensuring that clinicians receive comprehensive training so that they can provide the highest level of care for their patients. Through education, research, and developing industry standards, AAID sets the benchmark for professionals in implant dentistry so that patients can receive dependable treatment from knowledgeable experts.
P.I. Branemark discovered titanium can fuse to bone.
In the 1950s, P.I. Branemark was a scientist who made an incredible breakthrough in medical technology: he discovered that titanium could be used to fuse directly to bone. This stunning discovery allowed for the placement of dental implants with a much higher success rate than ever before possible and has increased the quality of life for countless individuals over the past few decades. In fact, Dr. Branemark is known as the father of modern implantology.
Dental implants have been successful for over 30 years.
Dental implants have provided a reliable and long lasting solution for replacing missing teeth since the technology first became available in the 1980s. Over the last thirty years, dental implants have become one of the most advanced and effective treatments for tooth loss. They can be customized to look and feel like natural teeth, and they offer superior stability that is unmatched by even traditional dentures. Not only do they keep your smile looking great, but they also provide numerous health benefits such as preserving jawbone health and reducing your risk of gum disease.
3 million people have dental implants.
Dental implants are more popular than ever; in fact, over three million people in the U.S. alone have opted for this form of permanent tooth replacement. This number continues to grow by approximately 500,00 people every year, according to the AAID. Although dental implants require a slight surgical procedure to insert, their long-term benefits far outweigh any potential risks or costs associated with their placement. In addition to growing bone tissue around the implant to support it, they also look and feel like natural teeth and help prevent bone loss that often occurs with missing teeth. With proper care, these dental implants can last many years — sometimes even longer than a lifetime — so if you’re considering it as an option for replacing your missing teeth, rest assured that you’ll be well taken care of.
Dental implant surgery is one of the safest dental procedures.
Dental implant surgery has become a go-to solution for people who are seeking to replace missing teeth or those who are looking to upgrade the stability and appearance of their smile. This type of procedure is generally minimally invasive, as it involves the use of titanium posts that are attached directly to the jawbone. The implant acts as an anchor for artificial teeth, either crowns, bridges, or dentures, which are placed to custom specifications in order to perfectly match a patient’s existing teeth. Overall, this modern day dental miracle is incredibly safe and effective – and countless people have improved their oral health with it.
Dental implants don’t decay.
Dental implants remain an ever-popular choice to replace missing teeth because they’re designed to stay strong and reliable. Unlike natural teeth, they don’t decay over time yet are still natural in appearance. This realization has given a confidence boost to many people with missing teeth. With that being said, dental implants still need to be cared for with regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings.
Dental implants can last decades.
When you’re looking to replace a lost tooth, you want a solution that is going to last, and it doesn’t get much longer-lasting than a dental implant. Unlike traditional dentures which can require ongoing maintenance and adjustments, an implanted tooth will stay in your mouth for many years without ever needing any sort of replacement or repairs. This is because implants actually become integrated with the surrounding bone – meaning they become apart of your body, instead of just staying attached to it. With proper care, reliably-manufactured implants can easily last for even three or four decades before ever needing any kind of upkeep. In today’s world where everyone wants convenience and options that are low-maintenance, dental implants have quickly become the best choice for anyone looking to reclaim their smile!
There are different types of dental implants.
Dental implants are becoming increasingly popular as a way to improve one’s smile, and there are various different types available. Mini dental implants (MDIs) involve smaller titanium rods that fit snugly into the jawbone and act as an anchor for the replacement tooth or teeth. Zygomatic implants, on the other hand, involve longer rods that enter into the cheekbone and may be used when a patient has lost bone in the upper jaw. Ultimately, both MDIs and zygomatic implants can be used to restore missing teeth safely and effectively, just like traditional implants. With so many options, it is important to talk to your dentist about which option is right for you!
Dental implants improve overall health.
Dental implants are an increasingly popular choice for replacing missing teeth – and the benefits extend far beyond just an improved appearance. Implants actually benefit overall health in numerous ways; from improved self-confidence to less stress, it’s easy to see why more and more people choose them every day. And by improving speech (no more lisps!), facilitating easier chewing of food, and reducing bone loss in the jaw, dental implants allow for better nutrition and digestion, ensuring a healthier lifestyle. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your oral care and benefit your overall health, then dental implants may be right for you!
In Conclusion
Dental implants have a long, textured history and there are many benefits to getting dental implants. If you’re thinking about dental implants, schedule a consultation with New Teeth Chicago Dental Implants. We can help you choose the right type of implant for your mouth and ensure that the surgery is as smooth as possible. Have questions about dental implants? Give us a call or stop by our office–we’re happy to chat!
Irfan Atcha, DDS, DICOI, DADIA at New Teeth Chicago Dental in Chicago, Illinois is a board-certified general dentist and a nationally recognized expert in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Dr. Atcha is now serving patients in Naples, Bonita Springs and SW FL area with All-on-4 implants, teeth-in-a-day, same day dental implants and the complex zygomatic dental implants for the no-jaw bone solution approach. To schedule a consultation please email Dr. Atcha at teethforyou@gmail.com.
