Considered a fixed restorative solution – meaning dental implants are permanent and non-removable – dental implants have come a long way since they were first introduced by the Mayans in 600 AD and consisted of seashells being placed in tooth sockets to simulate teeth. Anthropologists studying ancient civilisations around the world have reported various materials being used as dental implants and range from ivory to iron.
You’ll be pleased to know that dental implants in their modern form are made from titanium – a material readily accepted by the human body. In fact it was Swedish orthopedic Surgeon, Per-Ingvar Brånemark, who made the discovery that bone tissue will fuse to metal titanium in a process known as osseointegration. His discoveries lead to years of further research – releasing his first commercial implants in 1978. Today’s dental implant companies still use Dr. Brånemark’s patented technology and have gone on to develop further advances in implant placement.
Dental Implants are the modern alternative to a natural tooth. Placed directly in to the jaw bone, just like the root of a natural tooth, a dental implant becomes a stable fixture due to the patient’s natural bone developing around the implant. This is the before mentioned osseointegration process – and creates a stable base for an artificial crown to be attached to. Where traditionally a patient decided between a partial denture or bridgework to replace a missing tooth – having the option of selecting a dental implant means that no other teeth in the mouth have to be involved in the solution – and an implant provides a superior result to a removable denture.
For more information regarding Dental Implants contact South Trail Crossing Dental today 403.720.2778