It's been over seven decades since the discovery of the technique of using dental implants Richmond to replace lost teeth. During that period there have been many amazing developments that have helped perfect the procedure to get it where it is today. Science and technology have each played their part in producing equipment that has seen the art of dental implants become the go to procedure for lost teeth. 

One of the difficulties that stood in the way of many patients over the preceding decades has been that they have had insufficient jawbone to allow for a dental implant. Sometimes because of insufficient bone or defects of the mandible and maxilla, dental implantation was not a viable solution to a lost tooth. But the development of biomaterials and techniques in bone augmentation, the ability to increase bone density has meant that more and more patients can enjoy the benefits of a dental implant. 

One of the latest techniques used to increase jaw bone volume is a procedure called ridge expansion. This procedure is used to increase the width and height of the jaw bone to make the dental implant procedure possible. Bone grafting further enhances the volume of the jawbone which takes a few months to heal before the dental implant procedure can be completed. 

As with most things today computers play a big part in our lives and dental implants have also embraced computer technology to increase the success rates of this procedure. Software is used to ensure that the drilling of the titanium post hole into the jawbone is at the precise angle required. This method ensures accuracy, reducing the amount of contusion and improving the rate of healing for you. In the long run this accuracy will also ensure greater longevity of the dental implant because there is no unnecessary pressure due to an incorrect positioning. 

A dental implant mimics your natural teeth by being anchored into your jawbone in the same way that your natural teeth are anchored into your jawbone by a root. This provides a solid and stable platform which allows one implant to support one tooth replacement or up to four in a row on a single implant. In addition, it only requires four dental implants to support a full mouth of replacement teeth. 

Giving you the ability to return to normal 

Losing a tooth is a traumatic event and can mean adjustments to what you eat and how you chew your food. Dental implants allow you to return to your normal way of chewing so that you can enjoy life as you did before your tooth loss. It must be remembered though that dental maintenance is of paramount importance whether it is the care of your natural teeth or your dental implants. Fortunately, the care and maintenance required for dental implants is the same as for your natural teeth.