Dental Implants: History and Evolution

Dental implants, constructed from titanium screws, are surgically placed into the jawbone to replicate the missing tooth roots. This comprehensive tooth replacement solution is favored by both patients and dentists for restoring smiles. The journey of dental implants from their initial inception to their current form has been marked by significant transformations. Explore the history and evolution of dental implants by continuing to read.

Ancient Dental Implants

In 600 A.D., dental implant history traces back to China, where bamboo pegs were the first known dental implant material. In 1000 B.C., ancient Egyptians made pegs from precious metals, marking the earliest recorded use of such materials for dental implants.

Archaeologists have unearthed pegs crafted from ivory and precious gems such as jade. Furthermore, ancient Mayans had seashell fragments and intricately carved stones in their mouths, with some cases revealing signs of fusion with the bone.

Developments in Dental Implants

Between the 1500s and 1800s, European scientists experimented with crafting dental implants using materials like silver, porcelain, and various combinations of gold and other metal alloys. Additionally, they devised tubes composed of iridium, a hard and brittle silvery-white metal. This period also witnessed the extraction of teeth from underprivileged individuals and the deceased, with these teeth being transplanted into the mouths of the affluent.

Dental Implants in the 20^th Century

In 1913, Dr. EJ Greenfield utilized iridio-platinum cylinders soldered with gold to replace missing teeth. Furthermore, during the 1930s, two pioneering brothers in the medical field, Alvin and Moses Strock, conducted groundbreaking experiments by implanting Vitallium orthopedic screw fixtures in both canine and human mouths. Their work is widely recognized as the initial successful placement of dental implants.

Modern Dental Implants

In 1938, Dr. P.B. Adams patented an implant that included a healing cap designed to promote tissue regeneration. This implant incorporated both internal and external threading and featured a smooth gingival (gum) collar.

During the 1940s, Dr. Manlio Formiggini and Dr. F. Zepponi devised an implant featuring a stainless-steel spiral, encouraging the integration of the jawbone with the metal and providing enhanced stability. This design was subsequently adapted by Dr. Perron Andres to include a solid shaft.

In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon made a significant discovery that titanium and bone could successfully fuse together. This revelation sparked the idea that titanium could be a promising material for implants. The initial titanium implant was surgically placed in 1965, and the modern type of titanium implants we are familiar with today began to gain popularity in the 1970s.

About the Practice

For exceptional dental care in Landrum, Dr. John Moneyhun and the dedicated team at Parkside Dental are your go-to choice. Their practice is committed to assisting patients in achieving and maintaining healthy smiles through a wide array of top-quality treatments. This encompasses dental implants to restore missing teeth and provide you with a complete and beautiful smile. If you’re keen to explore further information on dental implants, set up an appointment with Dr. Moneyhun, or inquire about sleep apnea treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Parkside Dental at (864) 457-3901 or visit their website.