Tooth loss isn’t a new thing. Throughout history, people have suffered from dental issues and accidents resulting in missing teeth. What has changed is how we replace those teeth. Dental implants are a preferred option today because they replace the root of the missing tooth instead of only the crown. However, dental implants are a lot older than you may think. Continue reading to learn about the beginning of dental implants and how they evolved to be what they are today.
Dental Implants in Ancient Times
Going all the way back to ancient times – approximately 2000 B.C., you find the first evidence of dental implants in history – in the ancient civilization of China. These implants weren’t made from titanium like they are today. Instead, they were comprised of bamboo pegs that were tapped into the jawbone to replace missing teeth.
The first known case of dental implants made from metal was placed in the jaw of an Egyptian king from approximately 11 B.C. This consisted of a copper peg that was hammered into his upper jawbone.
Around this time period, it wasn’t uncommon for missing teeth to be replaced with teeth from animals or other humans. However, this method was met with a high rate of infection. Some other items that were used to replace missing teeth include rare gems, including jade, and carved seashells. It wasn’t for many years that dental implants became more advanced and safer to use as a tooth replacement option.
Developments in Dental Implants
Jumping ahead to the 18th century, researchers of the time began experimenting 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 didn’t lead to much success.
It wasn’t until 1952 when an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium cylinders fused with bone tissue. It was hypothesized that titanium would be an ideal material to be used for dental implants. The first titanium dental implant was placed in a volunteer in 1965.
Modern Dental Implants
In the 1970s, modern dental implants became more common. Since then, dental implant technology has advanced, making implants more customizable and natural-looking. Now, dental implants are available for people who are missing one, several, most of, or all of their teeth. They have an astonishing success rate of over 95%, and they are the only tooth replacement option available that prevents jawbone loss. Ultimately, they have become a preferred method for replacing missing teeth.
If tooth loss is something that you’ve struggled with, dental implants may be the solution you’ve been looking for. By scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you can put together a plan that’s right for you!
About the Practice
At EMA Dental, we have a team comprised of multiple dental specialists and general dentists to serve the Northampton community. With their combined skillsets and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. We can complete the entire dental implant process at our practice. To learn more about dental implants or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (413) 584-4900.