5 Little-Known Facts About Dental Implants

Dental implants have revolutionized the way we replace missing teeth. They’re strong, natural-looking, and can last a lifetime with proper care. But while many people know that implants are a top choice for restoring smiles, there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. Here are 5 little-known facts about dental implants that might surprise you and help you appreciate just how remarkable this treatment really is.

1. Dental Implants Have Ancient Roots

While modern dental implants are a product of advanced technology, the idea of replacing missing teeth with something anchored in the jaw dates back thousands of years. Archaeologists have discovered that the Mayans used seashells, carved stones, and animal bones as primitive tooth replacements around 600 A.D. Even more astonishing, some of these early “implants” showed signs of bone fusion, a primitive form of what we now call osseointegration.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that Swedish researcher Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark discovered that titanium naturally fuses with bone, laying the foundation for the modern dental implant. His breakthrough forever changed restorative dentistry.

2. Implants Preserve Your Jawbone

When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. Over time, this can cause bone loss and changes to your facial structure, leading to a sunken or aged appearance.

Dental implants are the only tooth replacement option that stimulates the jawbone, just like a natural tooth root. This prevents bone deterioration and helps maintain your facial shape. In other words, implants don’t just replace your teeth — they also protect your long-term oral health.

3. They Have a Remarkably High Success Rate

One of the most impressive facts about dental implants is their success rate of over 95 percent, making them one of the most reliable treatments in all of dentistry. With proper care, implants can last 20 years or more, often a lifetime.

Their success comes down to careful planning, precise placement, and the biocompatibility of titanium, which allows the implant to fuse seamlessly with the bone. Advances like 3D imaging, computer-guided surgery, and digital impressions have only improved outcomes over time.

4. You Can Still Get Cavities on Natural Teeth — But Not on Implants

Because dental implants are made from titanium and topped with a porcelain or zirconia crown, they can’t develop cavities. However, this doesn’t mean you can skip brushing and flossing.

The gums and bone around your implant still need care to prevent peri-implantitis, an infection similar to gum disease. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential to keeping your implant — and the surrounding tissues — healthy.

5. Dental Implants Can Replace More Than Just Single Teeth

Many people think of implants as a one-to-one replacement for missing teeth, but they’re actually far more versatile. Dentists can use multiple implants to support bridges or full-arch dentures, providing stability and comfort that traditional dentures simply can’t match.

For example, implant-supported dentures snap securely into place, eliminating the need for messy adhesives and preventing slippage when speaking or eating. This gives patients the confidence of a strong, natural-feeling smile.

Dental implants are much more than a cosmetic fix — they’re a fusion of science, art, and innovation that restore both function and confidence. From their ancient origins to their modern-day precision, implants continue to set the standard for tooth replacement.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Seredynski earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Illinois. He regularly takes continuing education courses on state-of-the-art dental treatments and even partook in a dental mission trip to the Dominican Republic to provide oral health care to underserved communities. If you’re looking to get dental implants, Dr. Seredynski’s compassionate approach to treatment will ensure you’ll get the best care available. Schedule an appointment today online or call (847) 392-2141.