According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, two out of three Americans has at least one missing tooth. As an implant dentist in Waco, Dr. Corbet Locke is dedicated to restoring your smile. Dental implants are planted into your jaw bone to keep your smile full, beautiful, and functional. Here are some fun facts about dental implants.
- The concept for dental implants traces back to historic times. Archeologists have found that ancient Mayans and Egyptians inserted tooth-shaped shells into empty tooth sockets to replace missing teeth. These ancients must have realized that replacing teeth is necessary for speaking, eating, and maintaining proper alignment.
- Titanium implants were accidentally discovered. In 1952, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named P.I. Branemark discovered that a titanium rod naturally fused with the bone of an animal test subject. Titanium was originally used for hip and joint replacement. However, through a process called osseointegration, your jawbone will also grow around the small titanium implant post, maintaining the look, feel, and function of a natural tooth.
- Dental implants protect your future oral health. Wearing dentures can contribute to irritation and further bone deterioration. Dental implants, however, act as the root of your tooth and stimulate your jawbone tissue and growth.
- Dental implants are strong. Your natural teeth can bite with about 200 pounds of force, but people who wear dentures can only bite with 50 pounds of force. Dental implants are fixed in your mouth and are sturdy enough to withstand normal everyday biting, chewing, and swallowing.
- Dental implants are independent. Dental implants don’t rely on adjacent teeth for support. They also don’t require altering the structure of natural teeth.
- Dental implants have a 95 to 98 percent success rate. Bridges can wear out over time, and dentures usually require adjustments. Implants, however, are comfortable and long-lasting. Dental implants can also be used to stabilize dentures to provide additional support and durability.
- Dental implants aren’t for everyone. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry reports that about 30 million Americans are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws. Dental implants are designed to replace single missing teeth. It’s also important to have enough space and an adequate bone density for implant placement. Dr. Locke will evaluate your health to determine your eligibility for dental implants.
Dr. Locke has advanced training in implant dentistry and wants to help restore your smile. Contact our Waco dentist office at (254) 776-4888 to schedule a dental implant consultation. We welcome patients from Waco, Woodway, McGregor, Hewitt, and the surrounding Central Texas area.