Dental implants are certainly a marvelous innovation in modern science, but you may be wondering, what exactly are these things that are replacing my teeth? Here at Pacific Northwest Periodontics, we want you to have access to the same information and knowledge as us; in order to help answer your questions and show we can be trusted with your next dental implant procedure in the Seattle area. Schedule an appointment today!

 

History Of Dental Implants

To fully understand the progression behind the science and technology of dental implants, let us begin with a quick history lesson. Contradictory to popular belief, the first dental implants were not George Washington’s mythical wooden teeth, but in fact seashells. According to the AAID, Archaeologists have found remains from Mayan and Aztec burial sites in Central America in which tooth-shaped seashells had been hammered into jaws to fill empty tooth sockets.

Today, the process is not near as excruciating thanks to the Swedish orthopedic surgeon, P.I. Branemark. He discovered  that titanium was a highly practical material for use in dental implants because it naturally fuses with bone. This allows titanium dental implants to be inserted and your jawbone will naturally bond to the titanium and fill the gap nicely, similarly to the way a natural tooth would.

 

How Implants Are Formed

• The process starts with a four-meter long solid titanium rod that can be formed into approximately 200 implants.
• Exterior threading is cut into the rod in order to aid in anchoring the implants into jaw.
• The individual dental implants are then cut to length, and the interior threads are drilled to attach the crown.
• The implant is cleaned and then inspected for correct dimensions.
• The implant is sent through a vapor degreaser, where solvent vapors envelop the titanium to clean off residual lubricant and oils used in the cutting process.
• The top of the implant is then dipped into a mild acid that is electrically charged to produce a color (anodizing).
• The same process is then done to the exterior of the implant to create a more a porous surface which helps it bond to the jawbone.
• A final cleaning is done in hot, purified water where a generator sends high frequency sound waves into the water creating waves and bubbles that gently scrub the implants.
• Then it is ready to be used!

 

 

How Crowns Are Formed

Crowns can be made from stainless steel, gold, silver, or ceramic.

• In this example , we will explain the process using the most popular material:  ceramic.
• A plaster impression of the mouth is formed.
• The impression is scanned into a computer and the dimensions are electronically determined.
• Liquid plaster is then formed into molds that are hardened and cured for 12 hours.
• Molds are then cut to match the dimensions of the tooth being replaced. The mold is  20-30% larger to allow for shrinkage of materials later.
• Next, a device sticks the tooth into liquid ceramic that hardens into a glaze.
• A ceramic powder is formed into molds and then the tooth is placed into the powder.
• The powder is then solidified onto the tooth. Any excess ceramic is chiseled away to match the file of the replica tooth. The entire crown is then heated to harden the ceramic and shrink it to its appropriate size.
• Porcelain is then painted onto the crown and heated to make it appear like a normal tooth.

If you want to learn more about dental implants from our highly knowledgeable team, check out some of our other articles on “What Are Dental Implants?”

Not sure if it’s right for you?  Pacific Northwest Periodontics in Seattle is currently offering a full exam and consultation with Dr. Rapoport or Dr. Schuler for only $99. Schedule your visit today!