You may be surprised to learn that dental implants as we know them today haven’t been around for that long. In fact, they’ve only risen to become a popular offering at dental offices across the country within the last couple of decades. Now, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a dentist that doesn’t offer this highly recommended solution for missing teeth in Irving. Learn more about how dental implants have evolved over the time to benefit you.
Dental Implants as an Ancient Concept
Over 4,000 years ago, archaeologists found something comparable to what we now call dental implants in China. Small bamboo pegs were hand-carved and used to replace missing teeth by affixing them to the jawbone. Fast forward 2,000 years, and Egyptians used a similar technique, but instead of bamboo, they carved the pegs from precious metals. The teeth themselves were made from elephant ivory or rare minerals like jade.
How Have Dental Implants Changed Over Time?
Today, your dentist wouldn’t have the faintest idea of how to hand-carve a dental implant from metal or shape jade to look like a tooth. That’s because a variety of manufacturing companies, many who have been around for several decades now, do this for them. Using high-quality and biocompatible metals like zirconia and titanium, manufacturers create dental implants that are able to replace the missing root structure of teeth. After they fuse with the jawbone, they’re able to create a strong and reliable foundation for any type of restoration to be attached to.
If you’re missing one tooth, your dentist can send a digital impression to a dental laboratory to create a free-standing dental crown, which can be made from porcelain or ceramic. Or, if you’re missing several or all of your teeth in an arch, they can make a full denture or customized bridge. The materials chosen are custom-shaded to look virtually indistinguishable from your natural surrounding teeth, allowing for truly lifelike results.
What Benefits Do Modern Dental Implants Have to Offer?
While the ancient people of China and Egypt were lightyears beyond their time, they simply didn’t have access to the technology dentists do today, making the treatment process more precise and comfortable than ever before. With the use of digital impression systems, specially developed burs designed just for placing dental implants, and cone beam CT imaging for outstanding treatment planning, the process looks a lot different.
The latest dental technology comes together to provide you with results that not only look completely natural as well as feel lifelike. As a result, you’re able to regain most of your natural biting power, allowing you to chew and speak without having to worry about shifting prosthetics.
It’s easy to understand how dental implants have quickly risen to be the top choice for patients looking to replace their missing teeth. With countless benefits to offer thanks to the advancements in dentistry, there’s no longer lasting, better-feeling result out there.
About the Author
Dr. Rafiq Hirji has over a decade of experience and has always remained committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technology in his field. He has completed advanced training in sedation dentistry and is able to provide both the placement and restoration portions of dental implant treatment in-house. For questions or to schedule your consultation and learn more, visit Daily Smiles MacArthur Dental & Orthodontics’ website or call 972-546-4114.