Dental implants are becoming an increasingly popular solution for tooth loss, with more than 5 million implant posts being placed every year. However, this treatment has a longer history than many people realize, and it took quite a while to get where it is today. How have dental implants changed for the better over time? Here’s a brief overview of the evolution of this tooth replacement method.
Early Dental Implants
Dental implants first appeared about 4,000 years ago in China. People carved replacement teeth from bamboo pegs and placed them in their jaws. This is not the only example of ancient dental implants; there’s evidence of the Egyptians doing a similar thing with precious metals. However, these early dental implants cannot be said to have been successful since they lacked the means to form a proper bond with the bone.
The Rise of Modern Dental Implants
The first major steps toward dental implants as we know them today were taken in 1952. Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark was performing a study on bone regeneration that involved inserting titanium into the femur of a rabbit. When he tried to remove the titanium, he found that it had joined with the bone. This was the discovery of osseointegration – a vital aspect of the modern dental implant process.
Following his discovery, Dr. Branemark went on to place the first titanium dental implant in 1965. It proved to be a success, and eventually, the practice of using dental implants to replace missing teeth started to become more and more widespread.
Dental Implants Today
Modern dental implants stand apart from other tooth replacement options for a variety of reasons. For one thing, they have the ability to mimic the roots of the teeth, which allows them to prevent bone loss in the jaw. Also, their bond with the jawbone gives them enough stability and chewing power to handle all kinds of foods.
Thanks to the many advancements made over the years, dental implants have a very high rate of success. About 95% of dental implants remain in excellent shape even 10 years after their initial placement. Additionally, a dental implant that receives the right kind of care can last for 30 years or more; in fact, it’s not unheard of for a dental implant post to last for the rest of a patient’s life.
If you are missing any number of teeth, dental implants could be the perfect solution for rebuilding your smile. Schedule a consultation with a dental implant expert today to learn more about the treatment and find out whether it’s a good fit for you.
About the Practice
At Radiance Dentistry Dental Implant Center of DFW, our team is dedicated to creating beautiful, long-lasting smiles. Our dental implant experts take advantage of the latest materials and technology, and our on-site dental lab gives us a significant amount of control over the overall quality of our care. To schedule an appointment with us, visit our website or call (972) 866-7976.