12022-03-17T21:46:39+00:00KSL Exhibitsad59ae249b808d7092ad4d02c088e1a23747e1282022 Case Western Reserve University SubmissionsKSL Exhibits34structured_gallery2025-03-18T22:37:24+00:00KSL Exhibitsad59ae249b808d7092ad4d02c088e1a23747e128
Awe-Inspiring Implants Replacing a lost or damaged part of the human body has been performed for hundreds of years, with varying levels of success. In the past 40 years, replacing a human tooth lost by disease or trauma has achieved an awe-inspiring 98% success rate. With an exacting blend of biology, engineering, precision manufacturing, art, and manual dexterity, dentists are capable of returning a mouth to normal function and esthetics. More than five million dental implants are placed every year. A collaboration of dentists, engineers, laboratory technicians, and business leaders have made it possible to manufacture and provide patients with a highly successful alternative to edentulism. Dental implants are manufactured from titanium. Because of its biocompatibility, light weight, and strength as an alloy, it is an ideal material to use as a tooth replacement. After determining the exact site to place an implant using x-rays and replicas of the patient’s mouth, the implant is surgically placed. In three to six months, bone cells will tightly adhere to the surface of the implant. The dentist and lab technician will then collaborate to skillfully reproduce a tooth to connect to the implant, restoring function and esthetics for the patient.
