For thousands of years, people searched for a way to replace missing teeth. They tried to make false teeth from animal teeth, bone or other materials and anchored them with gold wire. The ancient Mayans carved false teeth from jade or seashells; some of these teeth did successfully fuse to the jawbone, becoming the world’s first dental implants.
Titanium is the Key to Successful Dental Implants
Many of the most significant scientific discoveries were unexpected. In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon was studying how bones healed. He had placed a small titanium cylinder into a bone as part of his study process; when he tried to remove this cylinder, he discovered that it had fused to the bone or osseointegration. Titanium is very durable and long-lasting; it is also non-toxic, resisting corrosion from bodily fluids. Titanium is the medical metal of choice for not only dental implants but also for pins, plates, and rods used to repair leg or arm fractures, for example.
Improved Dentures
Originally, dental implants were used to replace teeth for people who were unable to tolerate dentures. Today, most implants replace a single or a few missing teeth. denture implants in Shepherdsville KY are long-lasting supports for a bridge or full denture. The implants resemble natural teeth and restore an improved ability to chew and bite.
Conventional dentures make it very difficult to eat certain foods and can result in bone loss, causing the jawbone to recede and creating a pinched, unattractive smile. Unsupported dentures shift in the mouth, allowing uncomfortable bits of food to collect under the denture plate. While people can usually adapt to an upper denture, it’s much harder to live with lower dentures. Implants securely anchor the dentures, eliminating the shifting and instability problems. It’s necessary to have ample bone in the jaw in order to have denture implants.
The Process
Denture implants look like cylinders or screws and are placed into the jawbone. The implants will fuse to the bone over the next few months. Next, extensions will be attached to the implants. After the gum has healed, full bridges or dentures will be attached, completing the process. In some cases, implants can be completed in one step.
Hillview Family Dentistry offers a wide range of dental services, including denture implants in Shepherdsville KY. Browse our website to learn how to get a complete smile makeover. Enjoy your confident new smile!
