Advances in dentistry have been significant over the last several decades, and perhaps none have been more impressive than improvements in implant dentistry. The first-ever dental implants were hardly as successful as they are today. This tooth replacement is now made of titanium that fuses together with the jawbone, making it the premiere option for just about anyone who has experienced tooth loss. Keep reading to learn about the impressive evolution of dental implants, and what it means for you!
The World’s First Dental Implants
Tooth loss is a problem as old as time, and for just as long, humans have been attempting to solve it by implanting foreign material into the jaw bone. In fact, archeologists have found evidence that the ancient Mayan civilization used shells and stones to replace missing teeth dating as far back as 600 AD. Some of these early iterations even fused together with the jaw – but they certainly did not provide as much comfort or stability as what people can now expect from dental implants!
“Modern” Dental Implants
Advances in tooth replacement continued without significant advancement over the course of centuries until a Swedish surgeon of orthopedics discovered in the 1950s that titanium would fuse together with bone tissue. The term osseo-integration, meaning joining with bone, was formed, and it wasn’t long before the material was being used for dental implants, or small posts to take the place of missing teeth roots.
Today’s Preferred Replacement Option
Today, with different treatment methods available, dental implants can be placed in as little as one day – and in some cases, an entire row of teeth can be replaced using just 4 dental implant posts.
Dental implants offer a number of benefits compared to other options, including:
- Promoting better oral health by preventing jawbone deterioration
- Preventing further tooth loss in cases where only a few teeth have been lost
- Supporting a healthy, balanced diet
- Helping patients regain full confidence in their smile
If you have lost teeth or are on the brink of having one or more extracted, dental implants may be just the solution you need. Don’t forget they have evolved to work in conjunction with your body – talk to your dentist about whether or not you are a candidate for dental implants. If you are, don’t wait to get started rebuilding your smile!
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Minh-Phuong Bui leads the Southwestern Dental Care team. She received her doctorate at the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has continued to complete continuing education courses that help her stay up-to-date on the latest advances in implant dentistry. If you are missing teeth and considering your options in tooth replacement, book a consultation with Dr. Bui through her website or give the office a call at (508) 802-5173.