The First Iteration of Dental Implants
Dental implants, as we know them, first came to fruition in the 1950s when a Swedish physician and research professor by the name of Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark made an accidental discovery. Dr. Branemark was attempting to create easily removable screws for surgical repairs. When he tried to remove those screws, he found the titanium in them had fused to the living bone tissue, a phenomenon that contradicted science. Dr. Branemark continued his research and confirmed that titanium could be structurally integrated into living bone, and voila – the modern dental implant was born! By 1965, the first clinical trials using titanium roots were being implanted into patients that had no teeth. This technique would later be used to add single and multiple tooth replacements to patients that still had remaining natural teeth.
Identical Tooth Replicas
A major concern for patients getting individual tooth implants is whether or not they will match their remaining teeth and appear natural. Thankfully, dental design technicians have advanced their techniques so much that dental implants now have an uncanny resemblance to natural teeth, even down to the coffee and cigarette stains. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) systems have allowed dental implants to be replaced faster than ever before, which reduces the number of patient visits and improves overall efficiency.
ETIII 3.2 Implant
This revolutionary implant has changed the game for patients that don’t have enough jaw room for a traditional dental implant. The ETIII 3.2 is a mini implant that has all the same elements of traditional implants, just in a smaller version! In addition to its bio-compatible titanium, the ETIII 3.2 Implant can self-tap into soft bone surfaces and still adhere properly. Pretty cool stuff!All-On-4 Dental Implants
All-On-4 dental implants are a great alternative to dentures, and this minimally invasive procedure has made having a full mouth of healthy and stable teeth a real possibility for many patients. This innovative system uses just four implants, which are secured to the upper and lower jawbone, to attach an entire prosthetic arch of replacement teeth permanently. All-On-4 dental implants preserve the jawbone structure, are the closest thing to natural teeth, and the procedure can be completed in one day.
The Future of Dental Implants
The future looks bright for dental implants, and this life-changing cosmetic dentistry procedure will only get better with time. Clinicians and dental practitioners are researching computer-designed implants in the hopes that CAD-CAM technology will one day be able to create exact duplicates of missing teeth that can then immediately replace a pulled tooth in the mouth. This will make a symptom-free healing process possible for patients and mitigate the effects of crestal bone loss. Another recent breakthrough in the dental implants industry is the possibility of creating an antibacterial dental implant coating product, which will significantly increase the longevity of dental implants and protect them from acid erosion. Developing this product will allow dental implant patients to eat and drink more freely and, when combined with an excellent oral hygiene regimen, the possibility of patients keeping their dental implants for a lifetime is very possible. Stem cell dental implants are yet another innovation that is in the early stages of being made. Researchers are working to develop a method that will make it possible for people with missing teeth to regenerate a new, anatomically correct replacement tooth via their own stem cells. These self-generated dental implants will have no risk of rejection and full functionality.
At Bond Street Dental Implants Toronto, we use the latest advancements in dental implant procedures and provide our patients with top-of-the-line tooth implants that look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. We specialize in the All-on-4 dental implants procedure and use cutting edge technology to ensure superior lifelong results. Book a free dental consultation today and get your smile restored in no time!