If you are missing or on the brink of losing teeth, finding an excellent replacement should be at the top of your list. It is widely accepted that, in eligible candidates, dental implants are the best method of replacing one, two, or several missing teeth. Nothing else offers the comprehensive solution that dental implants do. Implant posts are made of titanium, which is key to their success. Keep reading to learn more about why this material is chosen — and why it matters for your long-lasting, beautiful smile.

Titanium Promotes Bone Growth

Titanium is a biocompatible material that your body accepts without an issue. But it’s not just that your mouth will accept this material — it actually loves it. That’s because titanium promotes the growth of bone tissue to help the implant post(s) fuse together with the jaw. This process is called osseointegration, and it typically takes place over the course of 4 to 6 months, depending on the health of the jaw and where in the mouth the posts are placed. Once the process is complete, your replacement tooth/teeth can have a sturdy foundation for life.

How Osseointegration Was Discovered

The science behind implant dentistry is pretty remarkable if you think about it. And, like ice cream and most other great things in life, it was discovered by accident. In the 1950s, a Swedish physician named Per Ingvar Branemark was studying bone generation in rabbits when he noticed that titanium materials could actually fuse together with bone tissue. It wasn’t long before this discovery was applied to implant dentistry — and today, Dr. Branemark is known as the father of modern implant dentistry.

What It Means for Your Smile

The osseointegration of dental implants has a lot of implications for your oral and overall health. Once this process occurs, the implant post is effectively the same as your natural tooth’s root — your body won’t know the difference, anyway. That means the implant post will bring blood flow and important nutrients to the jaw, preventing the degeneration which is common after tooth loss. Getting dental implants can help you keep your remaining natural teeth right where they should be. Plus, with a stable tooth replacement, you can enjoy a balanced, nutritious diet that will keep you healthy as you get older.

Titanium dental implants are the norm for most patients, but zirconia or ceramic options may be available for people who are allergic or sensitive to metal. Whatever yours are made of, the most important thing is getting those gaps filled right away. Do not hesitate to get in touch with your dentist to find out if you are eligible for dental implants!

Meet the Practice

Fort Dental in Fort Worth, TX is the Angie’s List Highest Rated Dentist in Tarrant County. They offer comprehensive dentistry services from the comfort of their modern dental practice. To learn more about dental implants or to find out whether or not you can benefit from this comprehensive replacement option, you are invited to contact the office at 817-292-5957.