Dental implants are a tooth replacement solution that has evolved significantly over time, revolutionizing smile restoration. These titanium screws are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Popular among patients and dentists, they greatly enhance smiles. From their early days to now, dental implants have seen remarkable advancements. Read on to explore their history and improvements over time.
Ancient Dental Implants
The history of dental implants dates back to around 600 A.D. in China, where bamboo pegs were used as the earliest known implants. By 1000 B.C., the ancient Egyptians were crafting dental pegs from precious metals, marking the first recorded use of such materials in implants.
Archaeological discoveries have also revealed dental pegs made from ivory and precious gems like jade. Additionally, ancient Mayans used seashell fragments and intricately carved stones in their mouths, with some showing signs of fusion with the bone.
Developments in Dental Implants
Between the 1500s and 1800s, European scientists explored the creation of dental implants using materials like silver, porcelain, and gold alloys. They also experimented with iridium tubes, a hard and brittle metal. During this time, it was common practice to extract teeth from the less fortunate and the deceased, which were then transplanted into the mouths of the wealthy.
Dental Implants in the 20th Century
From the 1500s to the 1800s, European scientists experimented with dental implants made from silver, porcelain, gold alloys, and even iridium tubes, a hard and brittle metal. During this era, it was also a common practice to transplant teeth from the less fortunate or the deceased into the mouths of the wealthy.
Modern Dental Implants
In 1938, Dr. P.B. Adams patented an implant with a healing cap to promote tissue regeneration. This implant featured both internal and external threading and included a smooth collar for the gums. In the 1940s, Dr. Manlio Formiggini and Dr. F. Zepponi developed an implant with a stainless-steel spiral to enhance jawbone integration and stability. Later, Dr. Perron Andres improved upon this design by incorporating a solid shaft.
In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon made a groundbreaking discovery: titanium could uniquely bond with bone tissue. This revelation suggested titanium as an ideal material for implants. The first titanium implant was successfully placed in 1965, leading to the widespread use of modern titanium implants in the 1970s.
About the Practice
With almost twenty years of experience in dental health, Dr. Mark E. Lawton is committed to building lasting relationships with Houston families, ensuring their comfort and well-being during dental visits. His practice specializes in tooth replacement solutions, such as dental implants, to help restore smiles. They prioritize preventive care to maintain optimal oral health for all patients. Dedicated to comfort and excellence, the practice offers a wide range of services to preserve the health and aesthetics of your teeth. For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, visit Dr. Lawton’s website or call (281) 447-2186.