There is a fascinating history behind dental implants. The earliest recorded attempts of replacement teeth date back to 600AD, during in the Mayan civilisation. Archaeologists have recovered ancient skulls that have teeth replaced by resources including remains of seashells and carved stones. Although the materials and methods are primitive, a number of of the implants actually were merged to the jawbone.

Contemporary dental implants have primarily been used since the 1970’s. They are essentially anchors made of titanium that are placed surgically underneath the gums to replace the tooth roots of previously extracted teeth. Once the implants have been placed, they fuse to the jawbone and serves as false tooth roots. Dentists will then attach either non-removable or removable replacement teeth to the dental implants.

Adults of various different ages are becoming more and more interested in dental implants, and they can be an appropriate treatment for people aged anywhere between 18 and 85. The procedure is especially popular in London area, in particular at arylebone Implant Centre Ltd. There are a number of several cases that would make good candidates for dental implants. These include:

·         Someone looking for an alternative to dentures

·         Someone with a fractured tooth that cannot be restored via root canal surgery and crownwork

·         Someone that has a genetic condition that means they had a primary (milk) tooth but no permanent tooth below it

·         Someone who has lost a tooth as the result of an accident or injury

Candidate suitability for dental implants does depend on the condition of the patients jawbone. Usually, a number of tests are carried out to assess the bone and to find out if grafting is necessary to complete the implant procedure.

One of the main reasons dental implants are so popular among adults is that they look and feel identical to natural teeth, as well as preventing recession of gums and bone loss, both of which tend to happen frequently with dentures and bridgework.  To find a dentist qualified to place dental implants, you can consult the General Dental Council.

People are also choosing to opt for dental implants to replace missing teeth because they do not affect the quality of the neighbouring teeth, and the teeth surrounding the implant do not need to be altered to accommodate the artificial tooth.

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, provided that the patient takes good care of their oral health.