How much do you know about dental implants? While they may seem like an advantage of modern science, the reality is that humans have been attempting to replace missing teeth in very creative and practical ways for centuries.
Read below for an overview of the history of dental implants, the state of the industry today, and what you can expect in the future.
The History of Dental Implants
Thousands of years ago, as early as 2000 BC, Chinese civilizations used bamboo to replace missing teeth. Ancient Mayans used seashells. Egyptians used copper. Other types of material found in ancient human skulls include animal teeth, iron, and by the time the 1800s rolled around porcelain.
Archeologists around the world are no strangers to this curiosity. The problem with many of these materials was that (a) some were impractical, and (b) they were often rejected by the body. It wasn’t until 1952 when an orthopedic surgeon learned that titanium fuses well with animal bones. By the mid-1960s, the discovery was being successfully performed on humans.
Dental Implants Today
Today, dental implants are still made of titanium. Its ability to bond well with bones makes the implant sturdy and secure. This makes implants the best, permanent solution for missing teeth.
Implants are a good option because they look and feel like natural teeth, eliminating the unease that may come with dentures or gaps from missing teeth.
The Future of Dental Implants
The future of dental implants can look like something out of a sci-fi movie.
- Robots. Robot-assisted surgery is becoming standard across the nation. These robots are beneficial because they can identify base (root) placement with higher precision. They also provide real-time guidance to oral surgeons, streamlining the process.
- 3D Prosthetics. A patient’s mouth is scanned to create the most accurate digital images of their oral geography. This scan is then converted into a three-dimensional representation of the patient’s teeth and jaw. These images are then sent to a 3D printer to create exact replicas of the teeth which become part of the patient’s dental implant(s). This replaces traditional plaster models.
- Bone Grafting. When you lose a tooth, the bone that used to surround that tooth will recede. In the past, this could make inserting the base of the dental implant into the bone challenging. Bone grafting technology will allow oral surgeons to transfer bone from one part of the mouth to another.
Dental Implants Specialists in Dallas
If you’re considering dental implants, let us help you. We offer free consultations and use the highest grade of dental implants nationwide. We’ll match or beat competitors prices, and we provide a lifetime guarantee. For some procedures, you can leave with a brand new smile on the same day you visit.
Call FastNewSmile® toll-free at 1-877-771-2693 or contact us online today!