The history of dental implants
Dental implants are common in today’s modern dental practices, dating back to the first use in the 1970s. However, simple types of dental implants have been used by humans for many hundreds of years. The first such find can be dated back to 600 A.D during the Mayan civilization.
Materials such as bone, shell, carved stone, or jade have been used to replace missing teeth. Some of these materials fused in the jawbone itself. The use of titanium as a successful material to use for an implant was discovered accidentally in 1952 when an orthopedic surgeon found that he was unable to remove a piece of titanium he had inserted into a jawbone to study how bone healed. This accident led to the start of what is now fundamental to modern implant dentistry.
Why choose a dental implant?
If you have missing or damaged teeth, dental implants in Richmond provide a permanent and attractive solution. They are made from titanium alloy materials, which are incredibly strong and provide the foundation for the long term support of crowns, bridges or fixed dentures. Dental implants in Richmond offer many benefits.
Improved appearance
Dental implants in Richmond look and feel like your own teeth. They are designed to fuse with bone, therefore becoming a permanent feature of your smile.
Improved oral health
Because dental implants in Richmond do not require support from adjoining teeth, more of your own teeth are left intact. Individual implants also allow easier access between teeth, improving oral hygiene.
Improved confidence and self-esteem
Dental implants can give you back your smile and help you feel better about yourself. If your smile is letting you down because of tooth loss, you can regain your confidence with dental implants.
Improved speech
With ill-fitting dentures, the teeth can slip within the mouth, causing you to mumble or slur your words. Dental implants allow you to speak without the worry that your teeth can become loose or even fall out.
Convenience
Dental implants can be used to secure removable dentures and will eliminate the need for messy adhesives to keep your dentures in place.