History of Dental Implants
Glendale, AZ
Implants in Glendale provided by Dr. Michael Allard
at Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
 Here in Glendale at Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Michael Allard is happy to help treat your partial or full tooth loss. Regular dental visits are an essential part of preventing tooth decay, because periodontal disease may destroy the structure of your natural teeth and can cause bone loss. Sometimes, disease, damage, or injury means that keeping your teeth will actually reduce the overall quality of your life in terms of being able to speak clearly, eat your favorite dishes, or live daily without gum and tooth pain. In such cases, we recommend dental implants to restore the quality of your life.
The desire to replace missing teeth is not a new concept. Having missing teeth can make it challenging to chew, speak, and even want to smile. Missing teeth create a gap that allows bacteria to harbor, thus increasing the likelihood of developing periodontal disease. Missing teeth can also cause problems with your jawbone including atrophy, pain, and causing you to appear older than you are. The problems created by missing teeth are endless.
Through the years, many different people and civilizations have attempted to replace missing teeth to curb these dental related problems. They have tried and used varying materials including shells, bamboo, wood, and metal to act as tooth replacements. The interesting part about these early experimentations was the body’s reaction to the attempt at these embedded objects into the jawbone. Scientists found that the bone around these objects had begun to grow around them. Out of this idea of bone growth around an object to replace a missing tooth, sprang the concept and invention of dental implants.
What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is a surgical post, typically made of titanium, that is surgically embedded into the jawbone. It essentially acts as the new tooth root for your missing teeth. The implant looks similar to a small screw that is placed into your jawbone. On top of that is an abutment, otherwise known as a connector. It is placed over the dental implant. Atop of the abutment is the third piece of the dental implant, which is a dental crown. The crown acts as your new replacement tooth. The crown is the only visible part of the dental implant.
Osseointegration
As stated, in early years and experimentations among different civilizations, people tried to insert different materials into the mouth to replace their missing teeth. In the early 1900’s, doctors began to experiment with metal to act as the material for the missing tooth. It was discovered that the metal needed to be biocompatible, meaning that the material needed to be compatible with the living tissues in the mouth, and not produce any toxic results. Today’s dental implants are made out of titanium or ceramic. These materials are both strong and work well to fuse together with the jawbone. Osseointegration is the fusing of the dental implant into the jawbone. This healing process can take several months, so after the dental implant is inserted, the patient will wait for the healing to occur, and then return to have the rest of the dental implant placed.
Solutions for Tooth Loss
Dental implants are not only amazing because they become a permanent part of your mouth, but there are many different types of dental implants available to meet your specific tooth replacement needs. If you only have one missing tooth, a single tooth dental implant is your best choice. Likewise, if you have several missing teeth, a multiple tooth dental implant would be appropriate for you. We also offer mini dental implants, implant supported dentures, and the All-on-4® Treatment Concept which has just four dental implant posts. Multiple tooth dental implants can have up to six to eight posts.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Dental implants have numerous benefits. They are the top choice in replacing missing teeth today. Dental implants look and function just like your natural teeth. They provide strength and return your bite force back to normal for eating and chewing. Because you no longer have a gap in your teeth, you are able to smile and speak with a full set of teeth once again.
Dental Implants vs Dentures
Dentures have long been a tooth replacement choice. Immediate full dentures are often a temporary way to help you successfully transition to denture wearing. Due to the muscular readjustment needed, and the natural shrinking of the gums, dentures placed soon after tooth extractions don’t fit as snugly as permanent dentures placed when healing is complete. However, immediate full dentures give you new teeth right away, as well as time to adjust.
After some time, conventional full dentures can be created. These are permanent dentures that fit your mouth almost perfectly. They are carefully created to closely resemble your real teeth and can work in your mouth properly for a very long time.
While some people still choose dentures to replace missing teeth, many individuals find that dental implants are a better permanent tooth replacement solution. Dental implants will not slip or slide around in your mouth as dentures can. With dental implants you do not need to have your healthy teeth removed; we will simply insert as many dental implants as you need. Often with full dentures, you need to have all of your teeth pulled. Dentures can last several years, while dental implants are permanent and can last a lifetime. Dentures require special adhesives to keep them secure in your mouth, while dental implants do not. Dentures need to be soaked at night in a special denture cleanser, while with dental implants you simply brush and floss your teeth as usual. So for many reasons, our patients find dental implants an easier and more optimal choice for replacing missing teeth.
Contact Us for Dental Implants in Glendale, AZ Today!
At Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery we are here to help you have healthy teeth and gums. If you are around Glendale, AZ and curious to learn more about dental implants, please give our dental office a call at and we would be pleased to set you up with a consultation appointment. |
