For centuries, dentures have maintained a strong presence in the dental world. But it seems as if just recently, dental implants have taken the lead, providing individuals with a newer, more permanent, and longer-lasting way to replace missing teeth. Considered far superior to other similar forms of treatment, these titanium prosthetics have been around longer than you might think. Discover the origins of dental implants and how they’ve evolved into the premium tooth replacement solution they are today.
The Starting Point: Where Dental Implants First Appeared
Believe it or not, dental implants were first discovered in 600 A.D. in China. Made out of carved bamboo, individuals placed them within the jawbone to act as new teeth.
Move ahead to 1000 B.C. and the Egyptians maintained a similar approach, only using metals instead of bamboo to place into the bone. It is believed that other “pegs” as they were known, were made out of jade and ivory.
Dental Implants in “Modern” Times
As centuries passed, dentistry became a somewhat familiar term, and more modern approaches were used to treat missing teeth.
While implants created by early humans were unsuccessful because they would not integrate with the body, those fabricated by scientists between 1500 and 1800 were made of metal alloys. Unfortunately, they, too, proved ineffective.
Dental Implants of the 20th Century
With the arrival of the 20th century, scientists and doctors did not cease their study of dental implants. Instead, the use of vitallium was used by Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock, which proved successful.
By the early 50s, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark used titanium in a rabbit’s femur as part of a scientific study on healing and regeneration. When attempting to remove the titanium, he discovered that it was integrated with the bone. This led to what is considered an accidental discovery of the modern-day dental implant.
Dr. Branemark’s research was not widely accepted until the 1980s, which eventually led to the 90s when he discovered the zygomatic dental implant.
Dental Implants Today
To go from bamboo and ivory to titanium dental implants is a drastic improvement – one that both dentists and patients appreciate.
With millions of individuals in the United States living with these custom prosthetics today, it’s easy to see why so many are turning to them when needing to replace one or more missing teeth. Their ability to restore the full tooth structure, root to crown, is unattainable by any other tooth replacement solution.
What lies ahead for these prosthetics is undetermined, but with the continual advancements in dentistry, there is a good chance that patients will see new methods of placement as well as greater affordability.
About the Author
Dr. Sara Saber is a trusted implant dentist in Fountain Valley who is also an expert at dental implant restoration. Capable of restoring and rebuilding smiles with permanent prosthetics, she and her colleague, Dr. Nischit Shah, can deliver fully functional, beautiful smiles that can last 30+ years. Using state-of-the-art technology and a comprehensive approach, she and the team at Elite Dental of Fountain Valley can generate safe and effective results every time. If you or a loved one want to learn more about dental implants, contact their office via the website or by calling (714) 962-4486.