When it comes to replacing missing teeth, there are lots of options, but dental implants are by far the best. Not only are they one of the most effective tooth-replacement options, but they boast a remarkably low failure rate, and they can literally last a lifetime.
Even though dental implants are an excellent, reliable option, dental researchers continue to strive for perfection. Scientists are performing new research every day to further reduce the failure rate of dental implants, make them more similar to real teeth, and to reduce healing time. Here are some of the advancements in dental implant technology that you can look forward to seeing in the coming years.
New Dental Implant Materials
For decades now, titanium has been the metal of choice for prosthetics. It’s highly biocompatible, resistant to corrosion from bodily fluids, strong enough to withstand heavy use, and best of all, it’s capable of osseointegration, which means that bone can grow to it.
But titanium still lacks some features of real teeth. Researchers are doing their best to find alternatives that can provide a yet closer resemblance to our own teeth. So far, some options that show promise are antibiotic implants that use polymer to fight infection, 3D-printed implants to reduce the wait for perfectly shaped implants, and even implants encrusted with tiny diamonds to encourage bone formation.
Growth Factors Are More Available
Did you know that proteins from your own blood can be used to stimulate the regeneration of your bone and soft tissues? This technique uses plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) to help your body heal itself more effectively and quickly after surgery. Plus, since the growth factors are already from your body, you don’t have to worry about them being rejected or transmitting disease.
This technology has been available for some time now, but recent advances have made the materials less expensive and easier to obtain. This means that you can expect to see growth factors like plasma and fibrin being used to encourage quicker, stronger osseointegration in dental implants for the average dental patient soon.
Robot Surgery
China has already become the first nation in the world to surgically implant dental implants into a human patient, and while the technology is still being established in the United States, there are already several tools available to make the process easier for both the patient and the dentist. This can include better imaging technology, and even robot assisted surgeries.
Advanced Implant Surgery in Westchester County
As each of these technologies becomes available, we will evaluate it and decide if we want to incorporate it into our practice. For now, we know we are using some of the most advanced dental implant technologies available.
If you’ve recently lost one or more teeth, and would still like more information on the dental implant procedure, then scheduling a consultation with your dentist is the next step. Together, you and your dentist can go over your dental history, and you can have all your questions answered in detail.
If you are in Westchester County and would like to discuss dental implants, please contact the experienced implant dentists at Advanced Dentistry of Mohegan Lake to schedule a consultation.