As one of the most popular and longest-lasting tooth replacement solutions, dental implants have made a name for themselves due to the incredible results they offer. They provide a wide variety of benefits, including high success rates, optimal stability, and a lifelike appearance that works just like natural pearly whites. But did you know that this treatment has evolved over thousands of years? Keep reading to learn the evolution of dental implants and how they’ve been made to benefit you today.
The Early Dental Implants
Researchers have discovered that dental implants have been around for at least 4,000 years—as the ancient Chinese utilized bamboo pegs that were hammered into the gums. About 2,000 years afterward, the Egyptians decided to try using precious metals, ivory, and even jade to create these posts. While primarily aesthetic, these early implants couldn’t bond to the jawbone or allow for functional chewing, making them ineffectual for oral health purposes.
The Start of Modern Dental Implants
In the early 20th century, intrigue in dental implants was garnered via Dr. E.J. Greenfield, who tried using 24-karat gold to substitute lost teeth. Unfortunately, his experiment was unsuccessful. Still, two brothers named Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock resumed this work by using Vitallium (a mix of cobalt and other materials) to rebuild missing pearly whites. With great excitement, it bonded successfully to the bone tissue, becoming the first viable dental implant.
In 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark experimented on a rabbit femur and discovered that titanium was able to easily fuse with bone. This is what led to the material being utilized for dental implants, and it was first used in humans in 1965. By the 1980s, this tooth replacement option had become widely accepted in the dental community.
Current Dental Implants & Their Progress
Since then, dental implants have been evolving and becoming more advanced, which can be seen with newer options like zygomatic, mini, and All-on-4 implant techniques. This allows for a broader spectrum of treatment for those struggling with tooth loss. Over the years, dental implants have also become much more lifelike and can be easily constructed to work exactly like natural teeth. Today, ongoing research further improves this tooth replacement solution, promising greater results and functionality in the years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Torin Marracino graduated with his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee. He’s also a member of several prestigious organizations, such as the American Dental Association, and has even achieved Fellowship status with the International Dental Implant Association. If you want to learn more about this tooth replacement option or need to schedule a visit, feel free to check out our website or give our team a call at 903-838-9700.