Over the last couple of decades, dental implants in Lawrenceville have hit the spotlight as the most successful option to replace missing teeth. Although you might believe they are a relatively new innovation, they date back thousands of years. Archeologists have found a variety of foreign materials embedded into the jawbones of ancient Mayans from 600 A.D. While they may not have been viable solutions, early dental implants have paved the road to success for modern treatments. Here’s how dental implants have evolved to become the most reliable choice to treat tooth loss.
History of Dental Implants
Dental implants found in the jaws of ancient civilizations proved to fuse to the bone; however, they were far different from modern prostheses. Many “replacement teeth” throughout history consisted of shells, bones, animal teeth, and other foreign materials. Some were inserted postmortem to fill the space.
It wasn’t until the 1950s when a Swedish orthopedic surgeon found titanium to be a possible solution to replicate the root of a tooth. After replacing the leg bones of a rabbit with titanium, he discovered living bone can fuse to the material through a process called osseointegration. This finding created the foundation for modern-day dental implants.
Over the last 4 decades, researchers have learned more about the surface characteristics of titanium implants and how they integrate with the jawbone. Originally, the posts were smooth, but researchers found bone grows better against roughened surfaces for improved biological bonding. This has shortened the osseointegration time from up to six months to only a few weeks.
Modern-Day Dental Implants
Today’s dental implants differ considerably from those found throughout history. A standard implant consists of 3 components: a titanium post, an abutment, and a restoration. The post is surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic the root. After the jaw has fused to the post, an abutment is connected to it. The special fixture is necessary to attach the restoration, which is made of all-ceramic material to look like a real tooth.
Advancements in dentistry have allowed dental implants to treat all cases of tooth loss. Besides restoring a single tooth, they can also be used as an alternative to traditional fixed bridges or complete dentures. Each tooth doesn’t need to be replaced individually. Instead, a specific number of implants can anchor bridges and dentures in place while still providing the same success rate as a single-tooth replacement.
Benefit from a Proven Solution
Dental implants have quickly risen in popularity to treat tooth loss because they closely look and feel natural. As the only treatment to recreate the entire tooth structure, they provide predictable results. You can feel confident you’re making a long-term investment in your smile using a solution that can thrive for a lifetime.
About Dr. Bruce E. Carter
Dr. Carter earned his dental degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry and has completed advanced training in cosmetic and restorative services. As a member of various professional organizations and an award-winning dentist, he can treat complex issues, like tooth loss. Contact our office today to see if you’re a candidate for dental implants.