With all the amazing advances in medical technology we take for granted – MRI machines, artificial hearts, vaccinations, and more – it’s easy to overlook one you see every day but never notice: dental implants.
These modern versions of what we used to call “false teeth” are more amazing than you probably realize. One reason they are such an important medical advance is because people in all walks of life need them.
Dental Implants By The Numbers
- More than 5.5 million dental implants have been inserted in the U.S. through 2006.
- Each year, 500,000 people receive dental implants.
- About 30 million citizens are missing all teeth in at least one jaw.
- About 25 percent of Americans over the age of 74 have lost every one of their teeth.
- Over 2/3 of people in the United States between 35 and 44 have at least one tooth missing.
Those numbers are growing every year, too. The world of dental implant has eclipsed $1 billion annually and continues to expand. This should come as little surprise, since people have been concerned about their dental health since the dawn of time.
Dental Care Throughout History
- Braces date all the way back to about 2,000 BC.
- Some form of dental implants date back to at least 600 AD.
- The ancient Greeks often wrote about better ways to straighten their teeth.
- The Mayans used pieces of shell to replace lost teeth.
- The modern toothbrush was invented around the year 600 in China.
Because many diseases can be diagnosed by early symptoms that appear in our mouths, paying attention to our oral health is paramount. Good oral health also contributes to a better appearance, and a good appearance makes us feel great.
People who take care of their mouths and who see their dentist regularly are looking for the confidence that comes with knowing they look and feel good.
Modern dental implants and the benefits they provide over previous procedures can play a big role in that.
Facts About Modern Dental Implants
- Many modern dental implants are generally made of titanium.
- Dental implants have a proven success rate of 98%.
- Modern implants will usually last your entire life.
- You cannot get a cavity in a dental implant.
- Modern dental implants have a decades’ long record of safety.
- Titanium can fuse with bone, so implants help stimulate bone growth.
The procedure for getting and recovering from dental implants is usually fast, allowing patients to get back to their normal life quickly, too.
With a record of safety, speed, and effectiveness, it should be easy to see why we consider dental implants to be one of the great advances in modern medical technology.