Dental Implants – A Brief History!

Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option out there. Since they replace the roots of the missing teeth, they allow for a wide range of benefits that you can’t get with dentures or dental bridges. While dental implants have become more successful and popular in recent history, they are nothing new! Continue reading to learn more about the origins of dental implants and how they have evolved into what they are today.

Ancient Dental Implants

Going back to ancient times – approximately 2000 B.C., the first versions of dental implants were made form carved bamboo pegs in the civilization of ancient China. Moving ahead, the first recorded case of metal replacement teeth comes from an Egyptian king from about 100 B.C. A copper peg was hammered into his upper jaw to replace a missing tooth.

It was common for missing teeth to be replaced with teeth from animals or other people, but this would result in a high rate of infection. Other things that were used to replace missing teeth included gems, like jade, and seashells. It wasn’t for hundreds of years that dental implants become more advanced and mainstream.

Dental Implants Developments

Once we made it to the 18^th century, researchers were starting to experiment with gold and alloys to make dental implants. In the 19^th century, a doctor mounted a porcelain crown on a platinum disc. None of these materials ended up showing much success.

It wasn’t until 1952 that an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium cylinders fuse together with bone tissue. It was hypothesized that titanium may be the most ideal material to use for dental implants, so the first titanium dental implant was placed in a volunteer in 1965.

Modern Dental Implants

In the 1970s, modern dental implants started to make their initial appearances. As time has progressed and dental technology has become more advanced, dental implants have become more customizable and natural-looking. Now, dental implants are available to people who are missing one, multiple, or all of their teeth. Dental implants have a success rate of more than 95% and are the only tooth replacement option available that preserves the integrity of the jawbone, preventing deterioration. In the end, they have become the preferred tooth replacement option by dentists.

If you are missing teeth, talk to your dentist about your options. Dental implants may be the long-lasting solution that you are looking for.

About the Author

Dr. James T. Gray earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Dental School at San Antonio. He has been practicing in Arlington for over 30 years. Currently, he is active in the Texas Dental Association, the Fort Worth District Dental Society, and the American Dental Association. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (817) 460-4131.