COVID-19 Enhanced Safety Protocols

Facts About Modern Dental Implants

Over the last few decades, dental implants have taken the world of teeth replacement by storm. As the only prosthetic option that can replace lost teeth’s roots, dental implants offer unmatched stability for your replacement teeth (i.e., dental bridge, partial, or complete denture). While the art of replacing lost teeth has been a vital part of dentistry for thousands of years, modern dental implants are a relatively new development. The more you know about dental implants, the more you may realize how far they go in restoring and protecting your beautiful, healthy smile.

Did You Know?

  • They were discovered by accident!—Your bone’s ability to bond to titanium was discovered by accident. In the 1950’s, Swedish professor, Per-Ingvar Brånemark, was studying the flow of blood in vivo by inserting hollow titanium rods into the femurs of laboratory rabbits. When his study was concluded, he was surprised to learn that the titanium could not be removed because the femur bones had bonded to their surfaces. Dubbed osseointegration, this process is the basis behind the success of modern implants.
  • Titanium wasn’t the first implant material—Though titanium’s biological properties weren’t discovered until well into the 20th century, the idea of dental implants began much, much sooner. Mayan remains, dating back to about 600 AD, show a woman with a piece of shell forced into an empty tooth socket in the jawbone, which researchers believe may be one of the earliest examples of dental implantology.
  • They can prevent future tooth loss—Osseointegration might be their secret of success, but dental implants’ importance stems from more than just replacing teeth. By fusing to the implant, your jawbone regains the stimulation from biting and chewing that was lost along with your tooth’s root. This stimulation helps maintain your jawbone’s nutrient supply, preventing it from shrinking and possibly leading to future tooth loss.
  • They can help more people than you may realize—The beauty of dental implants is that nearly any adult who has lost one or more teeth can be a viable candidate. Before receiving them, however, your dentist will make sure that your gums are free of disease and your teeth are free of decay. We’ll also ensure that your jawbone is strong enough to support the implants, or recommend a bone graft to reinforce the jaw, if necessary.

To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling our office at (203) 878-6699. The specialists at Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry proudly serve patients and their families in Milford, Stratford, West Haven, New Haven, and all surrounding communities.

START TYPING AND PRESS ENTER TO SEARCH