Your time is valuable, so why waste it on a tooth replacement option that won’t last? Dental implants from Mark W. Wilhelm, DMD, MSD in Woodbury, MN can give you the last replacement you will ever need.
The Mayans Were On To Something
The ancient Mayan civilization was a wonder to behold. They are considered one of the areas on the planet that gave birth to the world we live in today. Researchers call these places “cradles of civilization.” The Mayans created one of the world’s first suspension bridges, allowing the Mayan people to cross the river while it was at flood level. This culture is also responsible for the invention of cement, which we find very handy in today’s society.
Water management was another revolutionary advancement by the Mayans. They dealt with a very difficult climate: six months of rain and six months of no rain. When the rain did come, it would wash away the topsoil and make farming practically impossible. When the rain stopped, they could plant crops with ease, but had no water to keep them alive. So the Mayans developed the chultune water collection system. These chultunes were buried underground and resembled large urns. These urns would fill with rainwater from the rainy season and keep it for use during the dry season.
The Mayan contribution to the world of dentistry came in the way of dental implants. Unlike concrete, suspension bridges, and water management, their way of doing it does not resemble ours in the modern world, but their early attempts showed us the promise that the procedure held for those who have lost teeth. The early Mayans would insert seashells and minerals into the open sockets in the jaw. These were inefficient and not very durable, but their bodies that have since been discovered show signs of trying to bond with the foreign materials. This shows that the body is able to put in the work to repair your mouth if you give it something to work with.
The Accident That Changed Everything
Fast forward more than 2,000 years to find yourself in 1952. This is when the wonder that we call modern dental implants was discovered. Dr. P. Brånemark was studying the blood flow in the femur bones of rabbits at the time. He inserted titanium cylinders into the bone and found something unexpected when he went to remove them later on: The cylinders had fused with the bone. This was not just a light fuse either; they had completely bonded with the bone structure. The only way to remove them was to break the bone. This fusion process is called osseointegration, and it is a unique trait of titanium. This is also one of the central reasons that dental implants are so effective and have such a high success rate after placement. They become part of your jaw.
Dental Implants Do More Than Just Fill Your Smile
Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option on the market that can completely mimic the function of your permanent teeth. We are not just talking about chewing food but other functions as well.
- Stability – Osseointegration makes dental implants the ideal choice for many people. This bond with the bone gives you an unsurpassed level of stability and support for your new tooth. Your natural teeth don’t even have that level of bond. Your real teeth can be extracted by simply removing the supporting material (gums) and moving the tooth back and forth until it gives from the socket. Your dental implant is actually a part of the bone and will not move.
- Bone Health – A lost tooth equals an open spot in your jawline. This spells trouble for your jawbone. Your jaw depends on your real teeth to occupy their spaces in it to keep it from deteriorating. You probably have noticed this deterioration if you have ever seen someone’s face that looks shriveled or prunish after losing their teeth. Their dental structure has actually gotten smaller. Dental implants will support your jawbone and keep your bone structure safe from deterioration.
- Longevity – Dr. Brånemark took what he learned from the rabbit experiment and applied it to dental implants. He placed his first set of dental implants (using titanium as the base material) in 1965. Within six months, these implants were healed and bonded with the bone structure. From there, those implants, the first of their kind, would last for 40 years. If the first dental implants lasted for four decades, imagine what our modern dental implants are capable of. Dr. Wilhelm received three additional years of training to become a prosthodontist, and he has extensive experience with dental implants. His training will help you have the most successful implant experience possible.
Call our office today at 651-319-9064 to schedule your appointment.