Today, dental implants are known as one of the best methods to replace miss
ing teeth. They are the only option that includes a titanium rod that fuses with your jawbone to function like the root of a natural tooth. As a result, they provide unique benefits that other treatments don’t. They stimulate the jawbone to keep it from deteriorating from tooth loss over time, for example. Also, because they’re permanently embedded, you don’t have to worry about dietary restrictions.
Did you know, though, that dental implants have a long and varied history? They haven’t always been as prosperous as they are in our world today. Keep reading to learn more about the evolution of this gold standard for tooth replacement, and why there’s no better time than now to get them!
Ancient Beginnings
We tend to think of dental implants as a modern solution, but they’ve been around for thousands of years. In fact, archaeologists have found evidence that humans have been trying to replace their teeth this way as early as 600 A.D. They’ve discovered fragments of seashells and carved stones embedded in the jaws of ancient Mayans, for example. Around that same time, ancient Chinese people carved bamboo pegs that were then affixed to their jaws. Then, around 1000 B.C., the Egyptians used a similar method trying to place precious metals like ivory and jade where their teeth had been.
A History of Failure
Though the earliest attempts to replace teeth may have had some victories, in most cases they failed. Not everything can integrate with the human body, and many of the objects and materials that were attempted ended up being rejected.
European scientists struggled to overcome this and experimented with new techniques around 1500-1800. They tried blending gold with other alloy metals, as well as silver and porcelain. These trials continued to fail until the early 1900s when Dr. Alvin and Moses Strock observed a material called Vitallium being used in hip bone implants. They then used this material for the first recognized successful implant into a human jawbone.
Laying the Foundation
Then, in 1952, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark laid the foundation for modern-day dental implants when he placed a piece of titanium into a rabbit’s femur. When he tried to remove it, he realized it had fused with the bone and was permanently attached. He then theorized that titanium could be used as a dental implant support and was able to insert it into a patient’s jaw in 1965. This was the dawn of dental implants as we know them today.
Dental Implants Today
Now dental implants are so reliable that they have a 10-year success rate in over 98% of cases. In general, medical surgeries only have a 10-year success rate of 75% so you can see that dental implants are incredibly efficient and resilient. Not only that but now they’re capped with a tooth-shaped crown made of composite resin that’s also incredibly strong. That means you won’t have to worry about frequently repairing or replacing your dental work. It can even be customized to match the exact shade of your natural teeth so there’s no noticeable difference!
With so many lessons learned in the past, there’s no time like the present to get dental implants. Call your dentist to get started today, and soon you’ll have a smile that will last for decades!
About the Practice
At Salvaggio Dentistry, our dedicated dentists recognize that everyone’s circumstances are different, so we work with you to provide customized care tailored to meet your needs. We offer convenient, flexible hours so that you can fit your oral healthcare into your busy schedule. Our multilingual team is happy to help you make an appointment or walk you through the specifics of your upcoming procedure. If you’ve been considering dental implants and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (289) 569-0721.