Dental Implants and Titanium – a brief history lesson
Most modern dental implants are made of titanium. Since the 1960s, titanium dental implants have come a long way! Titanium was first discovered to be a very biocompatible metal. Biocompatible materials can be used in surgical treatments because of how well the body reacts to them. What made it so different than other types of medical grade materials? Titanium encourages a process called osseointegration.
What is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration takes place when new bone develops around the titanium implant. The bone then fuses with and integrates into the rigid surface of the dental or medical implant. Titanium naturally encourages new bone growth – rather than loss. This strengthens the jaw and structurally secures the implant. Once osseointegration occurs, the implant is usually permanently fixed into the jaw.
It was inside of a rabbit that osseointegration was first observed. In 1952, Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark of Sweden experimented and found that titanium permanently fused with the bones of the rabbit. It was impossible to remove. Just 5 years later, Brånemark used titanium as a dental implant on a human patient for the first time. That patient’s titanium dental implant lasted over 40 years!
The Very First Dental Implants
The first types of dental implants were a trial and error process. Instead of the slim, single root design that we use now – they were much larger. In fact, some types of dental implants were more like a large blade or net that was placed over the jawbone.
Modern streamlined implants offer superb treatment outcomes, with less invasive procedures. In most cases, the implant root is about the same size as a real tooth root.
To improve the osseointegration process, some implants undergo surface treatments. This involves sandblasting, etching or application of materials to improve treatments. The success rate of dental implants is now extremely high. In fact, it is higher than other types of tooth replacement treatments. Most titanium dental implants have a success rating of 94% or higher.
What Kinds of Teeth Do Dental Implants Support?
The beauty of titanium dental implants is how durable they are. An implant can support more weight than a natural tooth. This makes it possible to support both small and large prostheses.
Implants are used to anchor restorations like:
- Porcelain Dental Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Full Mouth Dentures
As few as 4 to 6 implants can support a full upper or lower implant denture. There is no need to have an implant for each tooth.
Titanium dental implants have undergone a tremendous transformation compared to what they started as thousands of years ago! Early types of tooth replacement included everything from shells to bone. Even wires and ivory have been known to hold false teeth into place. In just the past 50+ years, implants have done an about-face. With titanium dental implants, you can usually enjoy permanent teeth for life.
How can dental implants change your smile? Call Chrysalis Dental Centres to schedule a consultation. We’ll let you know what tooth replacement options are right for you. Find out more about how dental implants can help you smile again!
Call 1 888 733-6983