An Introduction to Dental Implants

In 1965, a Swedish physician named Per Ingvar Branemark completed the first-ever dental implant surgery using a titanium rod to restore a person’s tooth. Branemark officially became known as the father of modern dental implantology and thus began the history of dental implants. 

Nowadays, dental implants are a mainstay for almost every restorative dental procedure like crowns, bridges, and implant-supported dentures.

Dr. Cardon at Table Mountain Dental in Arvada, Colorado, is a family dentist and an expert in implant surgery who has restored the smiles of hundreds of patients. In this blog, we’re taking a look at what dental implants are, what the procedure entails, and what benefits dental implants have.

Dental Implants: What Are They?

Dental implants are titanium screw-like posts surgically drilled into your jawbone to replace your tooth root. Once healed, implants form the base for the placement of crowns, bridges, and dentures.

Implants are the best option for you when you:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have a fully-developed jawbone
• Want a more permanent and fixed alternative to dentures 
• Want to improve your speech and chewing abilities 

What Does a Dental Implant Procedure Involve?

A dental implant procedure includes three main phases:

• For the first step, Dr. Cardon removes the damaged tooth root to prepare the jawbone for the dental implant procedure.
• Next, Dr. Cardon will surgically place the dental implant into your jawbone by drilling a tiny hole. After placing the implant, a process of osseointegration occurs over the next few months, wherein the jawbone fuses with the titanium implant. 
• For the final step, Dr. Cardon will place an abutment on top of the dental implant, which, in turn, facilitates the placement of a crown, an implant-supported denture, or other dental prosthetics.

What Benefits Do Dental Implants Offer?

Dental implants come with a wide range of benefits. The most notable are:

• Dental implants look and function like natural teeth and improve your overall appearance.
• As dental implants fuse with your jawbone, they are permanent and comfortable compared to other removable prosthetics.
• Dental implants improve your oral health by preventing gum infections or bone erosion.
• With appropriate maintenance, dental implants can be a one-time investment as they can last a lifetime.

Curious to know more about implants? Reach out to Dr. Cardon at Table Mountain Dental. To contact us, call (720) 749-2711, request an appointment online, or visit our office at 6410 Miller St #15, Arvada, CO 80004.