Are you seeking a resilient, long-lasting solution for tooth loss? Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles because, unlike dentures and bridges, they are embedded directly into your jawbone. This gives them added strength and stability over the alternatives.
Plus, they’re capped with a customized dental crown that can be made to match your natural teeth for seamless results. But these restorations haven’t always been so successful. Continue reading to learn how this popular treatment evolved from its earliest origins to today!
When Were the Earliest Dental Implants Made?
Would you be surprised to learn that archaeologists have found evidence of humans struggling to replace missing teeth as far back as the year 600 A.D.? Different cultures utilized natural materials to try to rebuild their smiles. For instance, in China, bamboo pegs were used, and ancient Mayans appear to have used seashells and carved stones.
Then, in about 1,000 B.C. (nearly 2,000 years later), the Egyptians used precious metals, elephant ivory, and even rare gems like jade, to close gaps in their grins. However, these materials are usually rejected by the human body, so these earliest attempts were likely more cosmetic than functional.
How Have Implant Materials Evolved?
It took some trial and error for dentists and doctors to learn what materials could safely be used for dental implants. For instance, between the 1500s and 1800s, sugar consumption in Europe significantly increased. More people developed oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease, that resulted in tooth loss. This led to a greater need for suitable dental prosthetics.
Scientists experimented with different metal alloys as well as porcelain, but with very little luck. In many instances, patients were given replacement teeth collected from soldiers who had fallen in battle.
What Are Dental Implants Like Today?
Finally, in 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark discovered that a titanium rod he had placed in a rabbit’s femur had fused with the bone material. He applied this technique to dental implants and successfully placed the first restoration in a patient’s mouth in 1965. He shared his research, which gained popularity in the 1980s, which eventually led to dental implants as we know them today.
Since then, ongoing developments in dental technology, materials, and techniques have led to replacement teeth that are more comfortable and look more lifelike than ever before. Plus, with the right care, implants can last 20+ years, making them an excellent long-term solution!
Meet the Author
Dr. Albert Kim strives to help patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the NYU College of Dentistry, and today, has more than 10 years of experience providing a comprehensive menu of services under one roof. He has completed advanced training and has the state-of-the-art equipment to perform each step of the dental implant process, including oral surgery, in the office for your convenience. You can request an appointment on the website or call (832) 220-9324.