Dental implants are the only way to replace the roots of missing teeth. They are small screws made from titanium that are inserted directly into the jawbone. They fuse with it through a process called osseointegration to give you a stable, long-lasting solution to gaps in your smile. Though dental implants are an excellent way to improve your smile, they weren’t always what we’re familiar with today. Keep reading to learn about the history of dental implants.
Ancient Dental Implants
The first dental implants were crafted in China around the year 600 A.D. They were made from bamboo carved into pegs. In Egypt in 1000 B.C., people used precious metals to make pegs that are considered the first time in recorded history that implants were made from these materials.
Additionally, archeologists discovered pegs made from ivory and rare gems, such as jade. They also found that ancient Mayans had bits of small carved stones and seashells in their mouths. In some cases, they had even began to fuse with the bone.
Developments in Dental Implants
From the 1500s to the 1800s, European scientists tried making implants from porcelain, silver, and blends of gold and other metal alloys. Additionally, they made tubes from iridium, which is a hard, brittle, silvery-white metal.
During this time, underprivileged people and the deceased also had their teeth extracted. They were then transplanted into the mouths of the wealthy.
Dental Implants in the 20th Century
Dr. EJ Greenfield replaced missing teeth with an iridio-platinum cylinder in 1913. He soldered the cylinder with gold. Doctors and brothers and Alvin and Moses Strock experimented with Vitallium orthopedic screw fixtures in the 1930s by implanting them into both dog and human mouths. The Drs. Strock are often considered the first to successfully place dental implants.
Modern Dental Implants
Dr. P.B. Adams patented an implant in 1938 that featured a healing cap and was meant to encourage tissue repair. Additionally, the implant featured internal and external threading and a smooth gingival (gum) collar.
In the 1940s, Drs. Manlio Formiggini and F. Zepponi developed a dental implant that features a stainless-steel spiral. This allowed the jawbone to grow into the metal, which offered it extra stability. Dr. Perron Andres later modified Formiggini and Zepponi’s design to include a solid shaft.
An orthopedic surgeon discovered that bone and titanium fuse together in 1952. This led to the belief that titanium would make good dental implants. In 1965, the first titanium implant was placed. The version we’re familiar with today began to gain traction in the 1970s.
About the Practice
South Texas Periodontics & Implants offers exceptional, effective, and efficient treatments too patients living in Corpus Christi as well as the surrounding communities. The includes dental implants to replace missing teeth. They can teach you how to properly care for your implants so you can enjoy a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile you’ll love for years to come. To set up an appointment with South Texas Periodontics & Implants or for more information on dental implants, call their office at (361) 992-7641 or visit their website.