Ever wondered how dental implants came to be? These titanium screws replace the roots of missing teeth by being inserted into the jawbone. Being the only option that replaces the entire tooth, both patients and dentists favor this method for filling in gaps in one’s smile. Since their invention, dental implants have undergone significant changes. Keep reading to discover the history and evolution of dental implants.
Ancient Dental Implants
Around 600 A.D. in China, the earliest evidence of dental implants emerges. Crafted from bamboo and carved into pegs, these implants marked a pioneering development in dental history. In 1000 B.C., ancient Egyptians took a different approach, fashioning pegs from precious metals, a significant milestone in the recorded use of such materials for dental implantation.
Archaeological findings further reveal pegs made from ivory and precious gems like jade. Meanwhile, the ancient Mayans utilized seashells and intricately carved stones in their mouths, with some cases showing signs of fusion with the bone. These diverse practices across ancient civilizations showcase the early ingenuity in the realm of dental implants.
Developments in Dental Implants
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, European scientists engaged in endeavors to fashion dental implants using silver, porcelain, and various combinations of gold and other metal alloys. Additionally, they developed tubes crafted from iridium, a hard and brittle silvery-white metal. Notably, the era witnessed a practice where teeth were extracted from the underprivileged and the deceased, only to be transplanted into the mouths of the affluent.
Dental Implants in the 20th Century
In 1913, Dr. EJ Greenfield pioneered the use of iridio-platinum cylinders soldered with gold to replace missing teeth. Further advancements took place in the 1930s when two brothers, Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock, conducted experiments involving the implantation of Vitallium orthopedic screw fixtures in both canine and human mouths. Widely regarded as trailblazers, they are credited with achieving the initial successful placement of dental implants.
Modern Dental Implants
In 1938, Dr. P.B. Adams secured a patent for an implant incorporating a healing cap designed to promote tissue repair. This innovative implant boasted both internal and external threading, along with a sleek gingival (gum) collar.
In the 1940s, Dr. Manlio Formiggini and Dr. F. Zepponi introduced an implant with a stainless-steel spiral, facilitating the integration of the jawbone with the metal for enhanced stability. Dr. Perron Andres later refined Formiggini and Zepponi’s design by adding a solid shaft to the implant.
In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon made a groundbreaking discovery that titanium could fuse with bone. This revelation sparked interest in the potential of titanium for use in implants. The inaugural placement of a titanium implant occurred in 1965, and the type familiar to us today began to gain popularity in the 1970s.
About the Practice
Moreno & Young Dental is a dental clinic dedicated to providing top-notch care for your teeth. Dr. Ronald Moreno, Dr. John Young, and Dr. Peter Pfeiffer lead this proficient team, offering a variety of cosmetic treatments to enhance your smile. Their services include dental implants to replace missing teeth, ensuring you achieve a complete and beautiful smile. If you’re curious to learn more about dental implants or wish to schedule an appointment with Moreno & Young Dental, visit their website or reach out to them at (360) 676-0642.