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History of Dental Implants |
 Humans have used implants to restore missing teeth for millennia. It started out with primitive materials and evolved across the years into an impeccable process. Dental implants are undifferentiable from real teeth, and they are a major boost to one’s confidence and look. For more about dentures and dental implants, we have you covered at East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are pieces of metal that fuse into your jaw to allow for artificial teeth to be placed upon them. According to the FDA, modern-day dental implants are made from titanium or zirconium oxide, while materials such as gold, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, and ceramic materials are used sometimes.
When Did Dental Implants Begin?
Using implants instead of missing teeth has been used ever since ancient China and ancient Egypt, when they used precious metals or bamboo to replace teeth. Obviously, these methods were not perfect, as the human body would not accept such materials and they certainly did not look like real teeth. In the 19th century, several materials were tested such as gold, platinum, silver, porcelain, and Vitallium with varying degrees of success. However, it was in the 1900s when titanium dental implants were invented, and the practice became more and more popular.
How Do You Get Dental Implants?
Dental implant surgery is fairly common these days, and quite easy and safe. Most importantly, you must have a specialized expert dentist. Dental implants can involve several surgeries with adequate time between each one. At first, you will be thoroughly examined with x-rays, pictures, and models. After examination, our dental specialist will decide the kind of implant you need, and the entire process and stages of the surgeries.
What Are the Kinds of Dental Implants?
Dental implants come in two main types, depending on the person and the case. The first kind is endosteal, which is a kind of screw-like cylinder that is inserted directly into the jawbone for the artificial teeth to rest on top. Endosteal is the most common kind of dental implant, though it may not always be suited for patients with issues in their jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are placed on top of the jawbone, instead of inside, but they still rest under the gums. Once the metal is placed under the gum and the gum heals, the artificial teeth are then added. The process might take two procedures. Subperiosteal implants are ideal for patients with issues in their jawbone, or jawbones that are too small.
Dental Implants and Dentures
Dentures are another option for missing teeth, especially if you are unable or unwilling to go through dental implant surgery. While implants are fixed, dentures are closer to artificial teeth that you can insert and remove if you wish. Dentures are usually held inside the mouth by an adhesive. However, some wear them without one, which is inadvisable.
Dentures are a great alternative if you have gum or jawbone issues, and they are much more cost-efficient. If you are not enthusiastic about surgery, getting dentures is easy and they can be easily tested, cleaned, or fixed. However, some find that dentures are less comfortable, they can slip or fall out, and they may hurt your gums if you keep them for too long without cleaning. According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your dentures every five to seven years. On the other hand, dental implants can be permanent with proper care.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Another method of replacing missing teeth is a dental bridge, which is a group of artificial teeth that are placed in a gap and held together by the other teeth on the sides. Dental bridges are widely made from porcelain, and they are perfect for replacing several teeth. With proper care, dental bridges can last for up to 15 years before being replaced.
In any case, whether you decide to invest in dental implants, dentures, or a dental bridge, they will benefit your appearance, confidence, and dental wellbeing in the long run. For information about dental implants or dentures, contact us at East Valley Implant & Periodontal Center at (480) 900-2771 today.
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