Modern dental implants were introduced to North America in 1982 by Dr. Branemark. Since this first introduction the cosmetic dentistry aspect and functional dentistry of dental implantology has progressed in leaps and bounds and continues to do so.
The advent of CBCT or 3D scans allows astute dentists to plan and see the case before any surgery is even started. This is like having a blue print when building a house and when properly planned helps make the case predictable and avoids surprises. Additionally, it allows clinicians to see and analyze the quality of bone, visualize vital structures such as nerves, sinuses, and adjacent tooth roots. This leads to improved patient safety and more predictable dental implant care.
The next factor is the improvement in the types and designs of the dental implant themselves. There are numerous shapes and sizes of implants to choose from as well as improved surfaces on these implants. All which, when properly used, can lead to greater success rates.
New and advanced surgical techniques has also led to improved implant success. These techniques along with better bone grafting materials has allowed for dental implants to be placed in areas where they could not have been placed in the past.
Finally, but certainly not the least, once the implants are placed, there are also new innovations that allow the dentist restoring the implants to create beautiful and functional crowns, bridges, and hybrid bridges. This is truly and art and science and is also important for the longevity of the implants.
Combining these factors with careful planning and working with dentists highly trained in dental implants and restoring dental implants, from single to multiple and all the teeth, has been allowed new ways to help and change patients lives.
If you have questions regarding a Houston Dental Implant Dentist or Houston Dental Implants, please feel free to contact our office, Ronald W. Konig, DDS, FAGD, LVIF, 713-668-2289.
