3 Fascinating Facts About Dental Implants

If you’re looking for a resilient, reliable way to rebuild your smile after losing one or more adult teeth, you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Unlike dentures and bridges, these restorations are embedded directly into the jaw and eventually fuse with the bone to function more like natural teeth.

But there’s a lot more to these lifelike replacements. Continue reading to learn about 3 fascinating facts about dental implants you might not know, which could surprise you!

Fact #1: They Have Been Around Since Ancient Times

It’s easy to assume dental implants are a recent invention, but researchers have found evidence that even early human civilizations sought ways to close gaps in their grin left behind by missing teeth.

For example, about 4,000 years ago, people in China used carved bamboo pegs to replace their lost teeth, and ancient Egyptians used copper and other precious materials to try to remake their smiles after tooth loss. However, the earliest attempts may have been more cosmetic than functional, since the human body rejects many of these materials, so they likely weren’t strong enough to withstand daily biting and chewing.  

Fact #2: They’re Made from the Same Material as Missiles

Thanks to ongoing developments in dental technology, materials, and techniques, today, these restorations are more lifelike and durable than ever before. For example, they are often made from titanium, which is a biocompatible metal, meaning your mouth is unlikely to reject it. It’s also incredibly strong, lightweight, and resists corrosion, making it ideal for oral implants.

These same properties also make it a useful material for missiles and space shuttles. It has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element, matching the strength of steel but weighing about 45% less.

Fact #3: They Can Help Preserve Your Facial Structure

Did you know that your jawbone starts to thin after adult teeth go missing? Each time you bite down, the roots stimulate new bone growth, helping preserve a strong foundation for your mouth. Unfortunately, you could lose up to 25% of the surrounding bone density within the first year of one falling out.

Then, as your jaw degenerates, the muscles and ligaments connected to it begin to grow slack. This can result in facial wrinkles, sunken cheeks, and other physical changes that might make you look older than you feel. Dental implants are the only restorations surgically placed in the jaw to function like roots and help maintain your facial structure.

If you are interested in dental implants but aren’t sure whether you’re a good candidate, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Meet the Author

Dr. Chitra Naik has 30+ years of experience helping individuals and families in Flint build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and today, she actively participates with the Genesee District Dental Society and Michigan Dental Association Conventions to stay abreast of the latest dental treatments and technology. She works with local experts to ensure accurate implant placement, then can provide resilient, lifelike restorations tailored to meet your needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (810) 235-5422.