Dental implants have been around for much longer than you may have previously thought. In fact, they have been used as a tooth replacement method for thousands of years! After all, tooth loss isn’t only a modern-day problem. As humans, we are problem solvers, so we are always looking for the best ways to resolve issues. Continue reading to learn about the beginning of dental implants and how they evolved into what they are today.
The Ancient History of Dental Implants
If you go all of the way back to ancient times – around 2000 B.C., this is where you see the first versions of dental implants. They were made from carved bamboo pegs in the ancient civilization of China. Then, if you move ahead, the first recorded case of a metal replacement tooth comes from an Egyptian king from about 11 B.C. A copper peg was hammered into his upper jaw.
Back in the day, it was common for missing teeth to be replaced with teeth from animals or other people, but the infection rates were high. Other items that were used to replace teeth include rare gems, like jade, and seashells. It wasn’t for several years that dental implants became more advanced, safer, and common.
Developments in Implant Dentistry
After reaching the 18th century, researchers began to experiment more with gold and alloys to create dental implants. In the 19th century, a doctor mounted a porcelain crown on a platinum disc, but this method and others at the time did not end up being very successful.
It wasn’t till 1952 when 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 an appearance. Over the years, dental technology has advanced, so dental implants have become more customizable and natural-looking. Now, dental implants are available to people who are missing one, several, most of, or all of their teeth. They have a success rate of over 95%, and they are the only tooth replacement option out there that prevents jawbone loss. Ultimately, they have become a preferred tooth replacement option by dentists and patients alike!
If tooth loss is something that you have struggled with, dental implants may be the optimal solution for you. By scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you can put together a plan to restore the appearance and function of your smile!
About the Practice
At Painesville Dental Group, we have a team of four skilled dentists serving patients in the Painesville community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (440) 354-2183.