Modern dental implants went mainstream in 1969, ten years after Swedish researcher Per Branemark discovered that bone could fuse to titanium. However, the concept behind dental implants—the basic tooth/root substitute – has been around for a long time – a really long time. Implants can be traced back to around 600 AD with the Mayans, and archeologists have unearthed evidence of dental implants in early cultures across the globe.
The most notable implant-related discovery came in 1931 when archeologists working in Honduras found the mandible (lower jaw) of a Mayan woman. The mandible, which researchers consider to be that of a woman in her twenties, had three tooth-shaped seashells inserted into the sockets left by missing teeth. For many years, scientists believe that the shells were part of a burial ritual, but then in 1970, a dental academic, Amadeo Bobbio, found that bone had grown around two of the implants. This led him to the conclusion that the shells served as tooth replacements while the woman was still alive.
Other notable dental implant discoveries include thousand-year-old Egyptian mummies who were discovered with gold wires implanted into their jawbones. A pre-Columbian exhibit showcases skeletons with dental implants made from semi-precious stones. In the Middle East, skeletons were found with ivory implants, and most recently, scientists discovered an iron implant in the jawbone of a Roman soldier.
While ancient implants addressed the cosmetic issue of missing teeth, they probably didn’t function as well as today’s modern implants. Backed by decades of scientific research, modern implants are designed to fuse with the jawbone – a process known as osseointegration. When placed by a skilled implant dentist, modern dental implants give you the power to chew foods again, and they can potentially last for a lifetime.
Call Dr. Fitzgerald’s Plano dental office at (469)814-8304 today to discover the benefits of modern dental implants!
At the Fitzgerald Implant Center, we use the latest technology to provide patients with the best possible implant experience. With a CAT scan and computer software, we minimize surgery time for patients and deliver more predictable results. Patients and caregivers benefit from the advanced planning that CAT scan technology affords.
A CAT scan is a noninvasive medical test that involves X-rays and sophisticated computer software. The CAT scan gives Dr. Fitzgerald high-quality images of the jaw and sinus cavities, revealing details not seen with traditional X-rays. He can transfer the images to a computer monitor to create 3D models that allow him to plan for surgery.
What does this mean for you? (more…)
When a tooth is being replaced, the new tooth or set of teeth are created in a dental technician laboratory. The standard procedure for most dental offices is that they will send the molds and the specifications to an off-site laboratory where the new teeth can be made. At our dental office, we have opted to have an in-house laboratory for our patients. We’ve found that by having the dental technician laboratory in-house, it improves the quality of service and work we provide.
Meeting with the Laboratory Technician
When an in-house laboratory is available, there is an opportunity for the the technician to have a face-to-face meeting with the patient. This immediately establishes rapport with the patient and allows he or she to express any concerns or wishes to the technician, face-to-face. In turn, by having a face to go with the work, the technician is able to work with the symmetry of the individual’s teeth and can customize each tooth.
Accountability
With an in-house dental technician laboratory there is instant accountability for the technicians. If the crowns need adjustment, they can be made at the time of placement, saving time and hassle for all parties involved. Our lab technicians take great pride in their work. While the patient may notice the cosmetic aspects of the final product, the integrity of the restoration and the smoothness of the margins must be of the highest caliber to ensure the longest ‘life’ of the restoration, thus protecting the tooth and oral health.
Microscopes
Precision is important when working with implants or anything that is fitting over the teeth. If the measurements are not precise and the margin is not smooth and tight fitting to the tooth, than it can lead to increased decay, periodontal disease including bone loss and other issues. When there is a dental laboratory on-site that functions under microscopes (many labs do not use microscopes), the chances of having perfectly fitting replacements increase. Our lab technicians work meticulously under microscopes.
It is rare for a dental office to go through the trouble of staffing and providing an on-site dental technician laboratory. However, we’ve found that it is yet another asset that improves the quality of service we can provide each of our patients.
There are many kinds of dental implant systems available on the market today. When choosing your implant dentist, you are not only looking for the right person to conduct the surgery and team to take you through the process, but you should also be verifying the dental implant system that is being used.
As we have mentioned in prior posts regarding dental implant systems, the importance of the 
brand cannot be stressed enough. Dental implant placements will remain in a patient’s mouth for years to come. However, if the brand is not around in twenty years, that could pose serious problems and potentially complications. The most reliable and largest brands on the market are Nobel BioCare and Straumann. Both brands have been in business for over twenty years and are seen as the most stable brands on the market. When looking for an implant dentist, if he or she is using either of these brands, then you will know that you will have a reliable system in place, should you choose to go with that particular implant dentist.
Below is a quick snippet and link to more information on each of the systems.
Nobel BioCare
“Nobel Biocare’s standardized implant portfolio comprises solutions for all indications—from single-tooth to fully edentulous restorations—offering the best possible quality and esthetics to dental professionals and their patients.”
Straumann
“The functionality of our innovations, be it products or treatment methods, relies on a straightforward principle. Everything we offer must meet the following three key requirements: reliability, simplicity and versatility.”
When choosing where to have your dental implants placed consider not only who will perform the surgery, but also consider the facility and the brand being used.
At our dental office we are proud of our Cone Beam Scanner and have made an effort to let each of our patients know that we are using innovative technology that will help make their visit better and their treatment more effective. However, no matter how excited we are about our Cone Beam, with innovative technology there are often questions that arise from patients. These questions generally revolve around: the purpose the technology serves and the safety of the tool.
The Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology has provided great value to those seeking dental implant surgery. Recently concerns have arisen regarding the safety of radiation for medical scans. In order to bring clarity, we are going to discuss both the purpose that CBCT serves in dental implants as well as shed light on radiation claims for medical CTs and if it applies to CBCT.
What Does the Cone Beam CT Scan Do?
Dental implant placement is most effective when the foundation beneath the gums is prepared and strong. The Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT) is what analyzes every angle and substance beneath the gum line to determine the health of the mouth and the possibility of effective surgery. It will determine: bone structure, tooth orientation, nerve canals and pathology. The information that the CBCT provides is “imperative to determining anatomical variations that can affect the procedure’s success or failure.” Thus, it is clearly an incredibly useful tool in ensuring that when a patient goes into surgery, it is as quick and effective of a surgery as possible.
Does the Cone Beam CT Scan Create High Amounts of Radiation?
Excess radiation should always be monitored when undergoing scans. Some CT technologies use more radiation than average, but the general goal for radiation is that it follows ALARA protocol. ALARA protocol refers to “As Low As Reasonably Possible”.
In recent articles, concerns regarding medical CT scans and overexposure of radiation have arisen. These reports are in reference to medical CT scans and not dental scans. Medical scans are reported to have 33 times greater radiation exposure than a dental CT. The radiation that is required for dental CT scans is significantly less, meaning that ALARA protocol is in place. Below is a graphic that shows the difference in levels between medical CT scans (where radiation concerns lie) and the CBCT can (that meets ALARA protocol).
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For more information on this subject, please visit: http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/content/scope/specialities/region/usa/section/general_dentistry/id/1311
Technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, and as a result, there’s never been a better time to get dental implants. As an implant dentist, I’ve been honing the techniques and skills 
related to implant placement for years. With the introduction of revolutionary advances like digital X-rays and cone beam technology, I’m able to combine my experience and training with cutting-edge technology to make dental implant placement as minimally invasive as possible for Dallas area patients.
What Are Digital X-rays?
When we need digital X-rays, we put a tiny sensor in a patient’s mouth that emits a small amount of radiation—up to 90% less than traditional X-rays. Since we don’t need to develop the X-ray, a detailed digital image of the patient’s oral structures is available for viewing immediately. This method means we don’t handle or dispose of harmful developer chemicals and we’re able to easily store and reproduce patient X-rays.
What Is Cone Beam Technology?
The type of cone beam technology I use is the Kodak 9500 scanner. It renders a three-dimensional CAT scan that I use with implant placement planning software. This provides an invaluable resource for the implant procedure I’ll perform later by allowing me to locate ideal bone sites for the implants. The more precisely I can plan, the better the results will be for my patients.
I will perform the implant surgery once the treatment plan is in place. Instead of making several incisions and peeling back the gum tissue during surgery, I’ll make a small hole that the implant will thread through into the bone. Patients experience far less trauma to their mouths during this type of placement, which reduces recovery time and postoperative discomfort greatly.
If you’re interested in highly accurate, minimally invasive dental implant surgery, call the Plano dental practice to schedule an appointment. I regularly serve patients from Plano, North Dallas, the DFW area, and beyond.
The search for dental implants varies between medical need and cosmetic preference. In Dallas alone many individuals of varying ages seek the assistance of a dentist that offers precise work with the technology to make the procedure effective and successful, with as little hassle as possible. The technology of today, including Kodak 9500 cone beam imaging, allows for Dallas dental implants to be quicker and more precise than ever before.
Dental implants are a natural looking, proven way to rejuvenate smiles marred by missing teeth. Precise placement of dental implants is crucial to long-term success and optimal comfort and function. Modern technology plays a crucial role in implant dentistry treatment planning.
Dr. Lee Fitzgerald’s information for his Dallas dental implants procedures comes from cone beam digital imaging scans which help to precisely determine implant placement and create life-changing smiles.
Cone beam imaging delivers comprehensive views of oral structures for Dallas dental implants. An advanced computer system allows manipulation and magnification of images to hone in on a specific area and map out implant placement for optimal results. And because scanning times are short, you’re exposed to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.
The state-of-the-art cone beam imaging system provides unprecedented access to vital information. For example, sufficient jawbone mass is required for implant placement. The highly detailed images allow for accurate 
measuring of bone mass, in order to determine whether a bone graft or sinus graft is needed to shore up density. The Kodak 9500 cone beam scan also identifies structural problems that aren’t easily found during a manual or visual exam.
This top of the line CAT scan comes from the Kodak 9500 cone beam scanner. The 9500 is the premiere scanner in the world. It offers superior image quality while maintaining minimal radiation. It is a mid field and large field scanner combined. A three-dimensional cone beam scan along with SimPlant and Nobelguide planning software accurately plans a surgery and is said to be the most accurate way for a dentist to plan a surgery.
In Dallas, dental implants have helped people from across the Metroplex and beyond to achieve beautiful, healthy smiles through modern dental implants. Technology helps achieve the ultimate goal of delivering efficient, precision treatment for successful implant placement and a positive experience.
Dental implants are a natural-looking, proven way to rejuvenate smiles marred by missing teeth. Precise placement of the dental implant is crucial to long-term success and optimal comfort and function. Modern technology plays a crucial role in implant dentistry treatment planning. I’m Dr. Lee Fitzgerald, a leading Plano and North Dallas implant dentist. At my Dental Implant Center, I use information from cone beam digital imaging scans to precisely determine implant placement and create life-changing smiles.
Cone beam CAT scan imaging delivers comprehensive views of oral structures. An advanced computer system allows manipulation and magnification of images to hone in on a specific area and map out implant placement for optimal results. And because scanning times are short, you’re exposed to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology. (more…)