Implant Dentistry in Houston: Early Discoveries

The medical field of implant dentistry in Houston is revolutionary in that it is capable of providing a comprehensive, fixed and long-term solution to single and multiple missing teeth. Yes, we as humans have come a long and innovative way since our ancient civilizations, when carved bone, sea shell and ivory were used to replace teeth that had either been knocked out during the hunt or had been too decayed to remain rooted in the jaw! Evidence of these teeth replacement artifacts has been unearthed at a Mayan archaeological site by Dr. Wilson Popenoe in Honduras, proving that as far back as 600 AD (and even more since the Ancient Egyptians also made use of bone or ivory ‘implants'), we humans have been concerned about our physical appearance! But implant dentistry in Houston goes beyond the improvement and preservation of oral aesthetics. Each and every tooth in our mouth is a fundamental tool in both chewing and articulation in speech. The loss of a tooth not only acts to compromise these functions, but the subsequent re-absorption of the jaw bone in the bare tooth socket can cause massive problems for neighboring teeth and the overall aesthetics and functionality of the mouth.

So what is implant dentistry in Houston and what journey has it taken since these early days in our civilization's history?

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Titanium Metal

Implant dentistry in Houston was far from a defined medical field in the 1950's. People who had lost single or multiple teeth just had to embrace their new ‘gappy' look or opt for purely cosmetic teeth replacements that merely fit in the bare socket. There was nothing long-term or fixed about these solutions, but they enabled you to smile without acute social embarrassment. Then, in 1951, came a fundamental discovery by Swedish orthopedic surgeon, Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark. He found titanium metal to display a unique property: it was capable of forming a strong biological bond with bone tissue; a process termed ‘osseointegration'. It was this incredible finding, along with the fact that titanium is incredibly strong, stable, non-corrosive and lightweight, that is responsible for the conception of implant dentistry in Houston.

Implant Dentistry in Houston: Where We Are Today

Subsequent attempts by other scientists tried to find other materials and metals that were capable of osseointegration, but titanium remained the sole answer. Today, it is still used in implant dentistry in Houston, which enjoys a fantastic 98% success rate in the replacement of single and multiple missing teeth! A dental implant is essentially a self-standing artificial tooth root (titanium screw), which is inserted in the bone at the site/s of the missing tooth or teeth. Over the course of the months following surgery, the dental implant will fuse with the jaw bone forming a strong bond and enabling the entire structure to function, feel and look like a natural, healthy tooth. An aesthetic and functional ceramic tooth crown is then affixed to the top of the dental implant, which is the only part visible above the gum line.

Implant dentistry in Houston offers comprehensive and long-term solutions that can replace single teeth or, with the revolutionary "All on Four" technique, a mouth full of missing teeth!