A dental implant is an
artificial or substitute root which is used to replace a missing
tooth, multiple teeth or to anchor a removable dental prosthesis.
Dental implants are composed of titanium which is biocompatible or
non-allergenic. Dental implants are positioned in the jaw below the
gums. A process known as osseointegration results in the implant
being bonded to the bone and becoming a part of the body.
IMPLANT HISTORY AND SUCCESS
In the 1950’s, a Swedish researcher discovered the process of
osseointegration. The first dental implants which utilize this
process were placed in 1965. They were used to anchor replacement
teeth for patients who previously wore complete dentures. Since
that time, over 1 million patients world-wide have had teeth
replaced utilizing dental implant support. Dental implants are one
of the most successful medical or dental procedures available
today. Documented success rates are over ninety percent.
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