Dental implants have had an interesting ride on the way to becoming the gold standard for tooth restoration that they are today. For over a thousand years, societies have tried to solve the dilemma of tooth loss by implanting something into the jawbone. Some of the material they used and their processes of implantation are fascinating and led to modern innovations! To learn more about this unique tradition and the twisty path it’s followed up to present times, keep reading!
Ancient Times
The concept of replacing missing teeth is not new. Archaeological discoveries have shown that ancient civilizations attempted rudimentary dental implant procedures as early as 2,000 B.C. The Egyptians used carved seashells, oxen bone, and ivory to replace missing teeth and secured them with gold wire or bands. Meanwhile, the ancient Chinese inserted tooth-shaped bamboo pegs into the jawbone.
In 1931, archaeologists found a 1,300-year-old Mayan skull in Honduras with a shell implanted in the jawbone, a surprisingly advanced form of early implant dentistry!
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages in Europe, tooth replacement was often crude and painful. Teeth were sometimes taken from animals or even deceased individuals and implanted into human jaws, often leading to infection and rejection.
By the 18th century, European scientists began experimenting more seriously with tooth transplantation, although success remained limited due to the lack of understanding around sterilization and biocompatibility.
20th Century Breakthrough
The modern era of dental implants began in the 1950s with a groundbreaking discovery by Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, a Swedish physician and researcher known as the “father of modern dental implantology.”
While studying bone healing, Brånemark found that titanium could permanently bond with human bone in a process called osseointegration. This accidental discovery became the foundation for modern dental implants in which titanium posts are anchored into the jawbone.
In 1965, Brånemark placed the first successful titanium dental implant in a human volunteer. The implant lasted for more than 40 years, proving the durability and reliability of this new method. This marked a turning point, as titanium quickly became the material of choice due to its strength, biocompatibility, and ability to promote new bone growth.
21st Century Technological Advancements
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw rapid advancements in dental implant technology. 3D imaging has allowed for more precise planning and placement. Various materials, such as zirconia and bioactive glass, can be alternatives to titanium that are also biocompatible and can fuse with bone.
Immediate-load implants – also called All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day – also emerged, offering faster recovery times and more options for patients with limited bone density. Additionally, guided implant surgery made the procedure more predictable and less invasive. Today, over 7 million implants have already been placed using the Brånemark System, and that’s not counting millions of others from newer companies!
Today, patients enjoy a success rate of about 95 percent with dental implants. It’s doubtful the ancient Egyptians or Mayans saw that kind of outcome, but they’re still an interesting footnote in the history of this treatment! With cutting-edge technology, a tried-and-true method, and more accessibility to resources, there has never been a more fruitful time than now in the history of dental implants!
About the Author
Dr. Eduardo R. Lorenzana is a 1996 graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry. Three years later, he obtained his Certificate in Periodontics from the same school. In 2001, Dr. Lorenzana became board-certified by the American Board of Periodontology and has since attended over 50 hours a year in continuing education. If you are considering dental implants, Dr. Lorenzana is an implant specialist of more than 20 years and offers 100 percent personalized treatment plans for each patient. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit us online or call our San Antonio office at (210) 492-3519.