How Dental Implants Have Evolved Over Time

Dental implants have been around for much longer than you probably thought. They have been used in dentistry for not tens or hundreds, but thousands of years. As you probably guessed, tooth loss isn’t just a modern-day issue. Since humans are naturally problem solvers, people have been searching for solutions for their missing teeth in order to make life easier. Continue reading to learn more about the history of dental implants and how they became what they are today.

Ancient Dental Implants

If you turn back time to 2000 B.C., the first versions of dental implants were made from carved bamboo pegs in the civilization of ancient China. Moving ahead, the first recorded case of a metal replacement tooth comes from an Egyptian king from approximately 100 B.C. A copper peg was hammered into his upper jaw.

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

Dental Implant Developments

Going forward many years to the 18^th century, researchers were beginning 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 methods ended up showing any success.

In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium cylinders fuse together with bone. It was hypothesized that titanium may be the most ideal material to use for dental implants. The first titanium dental implant was placed in a volunteer in 1965.

Modern Dental Implants

In the 1970s, modern dental implants began to make their first appearances. As time has gone on and dental technology as gotten more advanced, dental implants have become more customizable and natural looking. Now, implants are available to people who are missing one tooth, multiple teeth, or even all of their teeth. Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and are the only tooth replacement option that preserves the integrity of the jawbone and prevents deterioration. Ultimately, they have become the preferred tooth replacement option by patients and dentists alike!

If you’re struggling with tooth loss, talk to your dentist about dental implants. They may be the tooth replacement option that can help you get your smile back for good!

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for over two decades. He earned his Graduate Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. He is currently a member of the American College of Prosthodontists and the American Dental Association. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule an appointment at his office in Richardson, visit his website or call (972) 231-5744.