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When many people learn about dental implants for the first time, they assume that it’s very new technology. But this isn’t completely true; not only have dental implants as we know them today been around since 1965, but the idea of replacement teeth that interface directly with the jawbone has a long history. Below is a brief overview of the evolution of dental implants and how they eventually became the reliable tooth replacement option that over 3 million people in the United States rely on.
Ancient History
The earliest dental implants were in China about 4,000 years ago. They took the form of bamboo pegs carved to look like teeth and fixed into the bone. About 2,000 years later, Egyptians had a similar idea, only they used precious metals instead.
Perhaps the most successful example of early dental implants comes from the ancient Mayans. Archeologists found skulls dating back to 600 AD that had fragments and carved seashells in their jaws in order to replace missing teeth. Some of these implants managed to actually fuse with the bone.
Early Modern Period
Between the years 1500 and 1800, European scientists try to create tooth replacements that would integrate with the body. They used blends of gold and other metal alloys as well as silver and porcelain to make these early dental implants. Unfortunately, these materials lacked the ability to fuse with the jawbone and were often rejected by the body.
Modern Dental Implants
The breakthrough that made dental implants what they are today came in 1952, when Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark was studying the healing and regeneration of bone tissue by placing titanium in rabbit femurs. When the time came to take the titanium out, he discovered it had actually fused with the bone. He called this process “osseointegration”, and it eventually led to him placing the first titanium dental implants in a human patient in 1965. The implants were a success, although it took until 1982 for his research to be widely accepted.
Dental Implants Today
In the decades after the introduction of titanium implants, the process of placing them has been improved and refined thanks to the introduction of new technology. For example, computed tomography (CT) scans can be used to create a three-dimensional model of your jaw that includes underlying nerve pathways and other important structures; this information helps the expert placing your dental implants complete the procedure with minimal complications.
If you’re thinking of getting dental implants to revitalize your smile, you can rest easy knowing that the treatment has come a long way thanks to the dedicated efforts of researchers and dental experts. Call your periodontist today to let them know that you’d like to schedule a dental implant consultation.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Wood wants to bring a friendly, personal touch to specialty dental care, which is why he treats all of his patients the way he wants to be treated. He completed his periodontics training at the University of Texas. Today, he is a board-certified periodontist that uses the latest advancements to treat gum disease and place dental implants. To schedule an appointment with him at Utah Implants & Periodontics in Salt Lake City, visit his website or call (801) 322-5032.