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Did you know that modern dental implants, usually made of titanium, are a testament to the progress of dental science? According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million people in the U.S. have received them, with another 500,000 anticipated to be included each year. These alternate teeth are the only ones inserted directly into your jawbone and offer a range of unique advantages, making them a popular choice.
However, the dental implant journey is not a recent one. It’s a fascinating tale that stretches back to ancient times, although true success was only realized in the last century. Delve into the intriguing history to learn more about the evolution of what many consider to be the ideal restoration!
Ancient Problem Solving
Humans have suffered tooth loss for nearly as far back as we can discover. Back then, people didn’t have access to modern medicine or technology to repair their teeth, so they used the materials available to them. The first ‘dental implant’ discovered was from ancient China, around 600 A.D. Archeologists found evidence that bamboo pegs were carved and fixed to jaws to function as substitutes.
Other cultures tried to refurbish their smiles with natural materials like ivory, jade, rare gems, and other precious metals. For example, the first recorded case of a metal implant was found with an Egyptian king from about 1,000 B.C.
European Advancements
Unfortunately, people had limited success with dental implants for a long time because the human body rejects most foreign elements. European scientists realized this in the early modern period, between 1500 to 1800. During this post-medieval period, they began experimenting with gold and other alloys to try to create an artificial tooth that would last.
They were unable to find a feasible solution, however, and so replacement teeth were sourced from cadavers, like those who fell in battle.
20th Century Changes
There wasn’t much growth in dental restorations until the early 1900s when two brothers, Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock realized that Vitallium could be used with dental implants. They witnessed it being used in hop bones and adapted the material for oral use.
Then, in 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark made another discovery that would lead to dental implants as we know them today. He was studying bone regeneration when he placed a piece of titanium into a rabbit’s femur. When he went to remove it later, he was unable to because it had fused with the bone. He theorized that this method could be applied to dental implants and in 1965, performed the first successful procedure using this new method.
Contemporary Solutions
Now, thanks to ongoing advancements in dental technology and materials, dental implants are considered the most lifelike way to refurbish your smile. They have an incredibly high success rate of more than 95%, even up to 10 years after their initial placement. Plus, they’re capped with a porcelain dental crown that’s customized to look just like the tooth you lost. They’re durable enough to last 30 years with the right care, which could be the remainder of your natural life.
Without the many failures of the past, dental implants wouldn’t be the reliable replacements we know them to be today!
About the Practice
At Woodside Dental Care, patients benefit from two highly skilled dentists who work together to offer a wide range of services under one roof. They’re experienced with everything from basic preventative services to more complex procedures, like dental implants. They take the time to get to know you to build a trusting relationship so that you can be confident you’re getting the best dental care available. Plus, they use state-of-the-art technology to be able to place dental implants in the office, so you don’t have to seek outside providers. If you are suffering from tooth loss and need a consultation, you can request an appointment on the website or call (508) 644-5200.