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The History and Purpose of the Dental Implant

Dental implants have become one of the most common dental procedures and is an incredible method to restoring the functionality of the jaws and keeping other teeth protected. Usage of the dental implant first began in the 1960’s, but the science behind it was discovered about a decade prior. The breakthrough patient in this discovery was not a human, but a rabbit. A rabbit’s leg to be exact, putting a new spin on the idea of a lucky rabbit’s foot.

The man behind the creation of the modern dental implant was Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, of Sweden, who passed away less than two years ago at the age of 85. While conducting experiments with titanium, he noticed that the bone fused with titanium, adopting it as part of itself. This was the breakthrough that put dental implants on the map. Relatively shortly thereafter, Dr. Branemark used this tried and tested method of bone fusion with a dental implant.

The first patient was a man who suffered from a cleft palate and no teeth in his lower jaw. The dental implants that were placed in man’s jaw remained until his death approximately 40 years later, proving the longevity of the dental product.

WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS USED FOR?

This procedure is commonly referred to as teeth replacement surgery because this is precisely what it does. These implants, with “teeth” made of either composite resin or porcelain, are placed into the jaw of where a tooth once was. Teeth are known to fall out or be removed for several reasons. These reasons can include tooth decay, divulsion, or when an adult tooth does not grow in. When there is a gap in the teeth, a dental implant fills this area to ensure the surrounding teeth remain sturdy and strong, and it also helps stave off bone loss in the jaw.

Dental implants are able to restore oral functionality and provide patients with a complete smile with all of their teeth. These implants are made to last the lifetime of the patient and have nearly a 100% success rate.

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A DENTAL IMPLANT?

At Signature Smiles, our dentists utilize the dental implant and have conducted this oral surgery on countless occasions. If you have missing teeth or suffer from excessive tooth decay, you may want to consider receiving dental implants in order to restore your oral health and functionality.

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