Dental implants have changed a lot over time, making a big difference in how we fix our smiles. They’re like titanium screws put into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. People and dentists really like them for making smiles better. The journey of dental implants from the start to now has been full of big changes. So, keep reading to learn more about their history and how they’ve improved over time.
Ancient Dental Implants
Around 600 A.D., the beginnings of dental implant history can be found in China, where bamboo pegs were used as the earliest known dental implant material. Fast forward to 1000 B.C., and ancient Egyptians were crafting pegs from precious metals, marking the earliest documented use of such materials for dental implants.
Archaeological discoveries have revealed pegs made from ivory and precious gems like jade. Additionally, ancient Mayans were found to have seashell fragments and intricately carved stones in their mouths, some showing signs of fusion with the bone.
Developments in Dental Implants
From the 1500s to the 1800s, European scientists explored crafting dental implants using materials like silver, porcelain, and combinations of gold with other metals. They also developed tubes made of iridium, a hard and brittle metal. During this time, teeth were extracted from less fortunate individuals and the deceased, then transplanted into the mouths of the wealthy.
Dental Implants in the 20th Century
In 1913, Dr. EJ Greenfield used iridio-platinum cylinders soldered with gold to replace missing teeth. Then, in the 1930s, medical pioneers Alvin and Moses Strock conducted groundbreaking experiments. They implanted Vitallium orthopedic screw fixtures in both canine and human mouths, marking the first successful placement of dental implants.
Modern Dental Implants
In 1938, Dr. P.B. Adams patented an implant with a healing cap to promote tissue regeneration, featuring internal and external threading and a smooth gum collar. In the 1940s, Dr. Manlio Formiggini and Dr. F. Zepponi introduced an implant with a stainless-steel spiral for enhanced jawbone integration and stability. Dr. Perron Andres later improved upon this design with a solid shaft.
In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon made a groundbreaking discovery: titanium could effectively fuse with bone. This revelation led to the notion that titanium could be an ideal material for implants. The first titanium implant was surgically inserted in 1965, and the modern titanium implants we know today began to rise in popularity during the 1970s.
About the Practice
Reignite your smile with Geoffrey A. Iverson, D.D.S. Family Dentistry. Their caring team offers comprehensive dental care, from routine checkups to urgent treatments, for patients of all ages. With a focus on comfort and excellence, they provide a wide range of services to maintain your teeth’s health and beauty. Whether you seek routine care or cosmetic procedures, their dedicated team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll adore. Contact Geoffrey A. Iverson, D.D.S. Family Dentistry at (507) 364-7424 or visit their website for more information or to schedule an appointment.