Emerging Technologies for Dental Implants

Emerging Technologies for Dental Implants

The first form of “dental implants” date back to 600 AD…archaeologists discovered a female mandible of Mayan origin with three tooth-shaped shells placed into the sockets of three missing lower incisor teeth.  Although it was a very primitive way to replace missing teeth, it provides a great illustration of how long people have been striving to find sufficient replacements when they lose their teeth.

Figure 1: Egyptian skull with animal bone shaped into a tooth

Fortunately advances in technology have paved the way for much more comfortable and reliable tooth replacements.   Titanium is now the gold-standard of tooth-root replacement.  The ability of it to fuse with a patient’s jawbone and provide a stable platform for the new tooth or teeth has been a blessing for many patients.  Gone are the days of dentures slipping or the restrictions of eating only certain foods that your teeth can handle.

Figure 2:  Modern-day implant

Researchers have taken it a step further and are now creating bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) that promote bone growth in patients who need dental implants.  By looking at X-rays and 3D scans, oral surgeons determine if a patient has adequate bone for dental implants to be placed.  However, if this technology continues to show superior results, it could provide the option of dental implants to those who may not have been candidates in the past. 

Do you know of anyone who has benefited from their dental implants?