Did you know that dental implants have been around for not just hundreds, but thousands of years in history? Tooth loss isn’t just a modern-day issue. Because we’re problem solvers, people have been looking for solutions for their missing teeth in order to make life easier. Titanium dental implants have only been around since the 1950s. Continue reading to learn more about the history of dental implants and how they have evolved over time.
Ancient Dental Implant History
Going all the way back to 2000 BC, the first versions of dental implants were made from carved bamboo pegs in the civilization of ancient China. Moving ahead in time a little bit, the first recorded case of a metal replacement tooth comes from an Egyptian king from approximately 100 BC. A copper peg was hammered into his upper jawbone.
It was common for missing teeth to be replaced with teeth from animals or other people, however these would result in a higher risk of infection. Other things that were used in order to replace teeth included rare gems, like jade, and seashells. It wasn’t for many years that dental implants became more common and advanced.
Developments in Dental Implants
When you fast forward to the 18th century, researchers were beginning to experiment with gold and alloys in order to make dental implants. In the 19th century, a doctor mounted a porcelain crown on a platinum disc. None of these methods proved to be successful.
It wasn’t until 1952, when an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium cylinders fuse together with bone, that it was hypothesized that titanium may be the ideal material to use for a dental implant. The first titanium dental implant was placed in a volunteer in 1965.
Modern Dental Implants
It was in the 1970s that modern dental implants started making their first appearances. As time has gone on and dental technology has become much more advanced, implants have become more customizable and natural looking. Now, implants are available to people who are missing all of their teeth, multiple teeth, or just one tooth.
Today, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and are still the only tooth replacement option that preserves the integrity of the jawbone and prevents deterioration. This is why they have become a favorite by both dentists and patients alike.
Dental implants have been around for a while and they have come a long way. If you are missing teeth, ask your dentist if you would make a good candidate for dental implants. You will have your smile back in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Karl Arakelian is a well experienced dentist with nearly 30 years in the field so far. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He has completed over a thousand hours of continuing education in order to stay up to date with newest techniques and technologies in the dental field. Dr. Arakelian offers dental implants as one of his many services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (978) 373-0901.
