In modern times, dental implants are considered the absolute best method of tooth replacement. They are durable, have a long lifespan, and boast a high success rate. However, the development of dental implants has been a lengthy process. This form of tooth replacement has evolved over thousands of years! If you are interested in learning more about the history of dental implants, read this blog post to discover some fascinating details.
The Earliest Dental Implants
Dental implants have a long history, starting 4,000 years ago with ancient Chinese using bamboo pegs that they hammered into the gums. A couple of thousand years later, the Egyptians also experimented with dental implants, utilizing precious metals, ivory, and jade to replace missing teeth.
These early implants were primarily aesthetic, as they could not bond with the jawbone or provide reliable chewing function. Thus, they did not offer the same level of practicality and effectiveness as modern dental implants.
The Beginning of Modern Dental Implants
Early in the 20th century, interest in dental implants gained new life. Dr. E. J. Greenfield tried to use 24 karat gold to replace lost teeth. Sadly, his efforts were unsuccessful. Later on, two brothers, Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock, used Vitallium (a blend of cobalt and other materials) as a means of tooth replacement. It successfully bonded with the surrounding bone and became the first truly viable dental implant material.
In 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark unintentionally reached another milestone in the development of dental implants. While experimenting on a rabbit femur, he discovered that titanium could fuse with bone. This led to the development of titanium dental implants, which were first used in humans in 1965. By the 1980s, dental implants gained widespread acceptance in the dental community.
Dental Implants Continue to Move Forward
Since the 1980s, dental implants have continued to evolve. Advancements such as zygomatic implants, mini-implants, and All-on-4 techniques have emerged to help a broader range of patients replace their lost teeth and enjoy renewed oral functionality.
Dental implants have come a long way since their inception, and ongoing research promises even more good things to come in the future!
Meet the Practice
At Piney Point OMS of Katy/Cypress, Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard work together to provide top quality care to our community. They provide a range of dental implant services, including All-on-4, mini dental implants, zygomatic implants, and more. To learn how they may be able to help you rebuild your missing teeth, contact our office at 832-353-1100.