Archeologists have found evidence of tooth replacement as long as 5,000 years ago. Using pebbles or seashells, depending on location, peoples of the Bronze Age fashioned tooth-like objects to insert into the holes left by missing teeth. Clearly, even prehistoric cultures could see the value of a full set of teeth and used these objects to prevent issues such as adjacent tooth slippage, uneven tooth wear, and additional tooth loss. How they looked aesthetically and how long they lasted, however, likely left much to be desired for ancient peoples who were missing teeth.

Seashells-for-Tooth-Replacement

Titanium Alloys

Today’s dental implants are made from titanium or titanium alloys. Stronger than steel but only slightly heavier than aluminum, titanium is resistant to corrosives, impervious to high temperatures, and able to withstand bite tension and force from chewing. Equally important, titanium is biocompatible, which allows the metal to be accepted by your jaw as a new tooth root.

Unlike pebbles and seashells, even unlike dentures and dental bridges, dental implants are inserted directly into the bone of the jaw. Once there, osteoblasts and connective tissues insert into microscopic holes on the surface of the implant, securing it into bone. This process, called osseointegration, is what allows dental implants to stay in place forever. It is their material, however, that prevents them from disintegrating or breaking, and allows them to continue providing a strong and reliable anchor for your replacement tooth.

During prehistory, a replacement tooth may have been whatever was closest at hand. Now, our Cherry Creek cosmetic dentists use advanced tooth replacement options including same day dental crowns, enabling us to restore damaged restorations during a single office visit. Our one-visit crowns are made of high quality ceramics that can be shaped, sized, and shaded to fit perfectly into your smile. When placed over a dental implant, these crowns can produce a beautiful and fully functional smile that you can feel absolutely confident in. Unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants are secured by bone and will not come loose, fall out, or otherwise fail when you need them. During your initial consultation at our Cherry Creek office, we can discuss this with you in greater detail to help you determine if dental implants are the best fit for you.

We Are Here to Help

At DeWitt Dental Associates, we want to make sure each of our patients is provided the services they need to achieve the strong, healthy, and attractive smiles they deserve. If you are missing one or more teeth, you could put a pebble in the hole and hope for the best – or you could call our office, schedule an appointment and learn how we can help.

And remember, if you have an HSA or FSA, now is the time to schedule oral surgery. Money left in these accounts will be lost forever on January 1st. Call us at 303-321-5656 to learn how you can put yours to good use.

DeWitt Dental Associates is a full-service family, general, neuromuscular, and cosmetic dentistry practice located in Cherry Creek. Our experienced and welcoming dentists serve all surrounding Metro communities including Littleton, Englewood, Highlands Ranch, and neighborhoods surrounding the Denver Country Club.

Categories: Dental Implants