A Brief History of Dental Implants
Archeological evidence suggests that humans have sought replacements for missing teeth for thousands of years. While few of us would envy those early attempts, millions of people undergo dental implant treatment each year because modern dental implants can replace a lost tooth root with a stable, biocompatible titanium post. Dr. John P. Goodman has served the Kansas City, MO, community for over 20 years. While the history of dental implants can be traced back to 2000 BC, Dr. Goodman uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, successful results for every patient at his state-of-the-art dental practice.
Historical Evidence of Dental Implants
Similar to modern cultures, ancient civilizations placed value on retaining a full set of teeth for functional and aesthetic reasons. The first recorded efforts to replace lost teeth date back 4,000 years, when ancient Chinese cultures used carved bamboo pegs to replicate missing teeth. Around 1000 BC, Egyptians began using metal to create replacement teeth, and the body of an Egyptian king was found with a copper peg hammered into the upper jawbone. In France, archaeologists also discovered false teeth made of iron among Celtic gravesites dating back to 300 BC. Finally, evidence suggests that the Mayans were using seashells to replace teeth around 600 AD.
The Evolution of Dental Implant Technology
During the 18th and 19th centuries, attempts were made to use gold, alloy, and platinum to create artificial tooth roots. However, these materials did not yield successful long-term results because the patient’s body would reject foreign objects. For implants to be successful, the material would need to integrate with the surrounding bone tissue. Around 1950, an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium could successfully fuse with animal bone. Because of titanium’s ability to osseointegrate, implant dentists quickly adopted the material. Today, osseointegration remains critical to the success of dental implant procedures.
The Most Recent Advancements in Implant Dentistry
Dental implant technology is constantly evolving, and several recent advancements have made the procedure safer and more reliable than ever before. Today, dental implant patients can enjoy:
- Improved Design: Etching or sandblasting the surface of the implant can help the implant fuse with the jawbone much more successfully than a smooth implant surface. Today’s implants are made using a corkscrew design that facilitates osseointegration.
- Computer-Aided Dental Implant Placement: Computer modeling, digital x-rays, and 3-D printers now allow for the precise placement of dental implants. Modern dental implants, like the ones used at our Kansas City, MO, dental practice, enjoy a success rate of around 98 percent.
- Long-Lasting Results: Modern dental implants are designed to last a lifetime. The materials used to fabricate dental implants are biocompatible, meaning that the implants do not adversely react with surrounding bone tissue.
Schedule Your Dental Implant Procedure Today
Implant dentistry has come a long way. Today, millions of patients enjoy the benefits of dental implants. The titanium posts function just like tooth roots, preventing jawbone atrophy, restoring your ability to speak, and boosting your confidence following tooth loss. Dr. Goodman has served the Kansas City, MO, community for over 20 years. To talk to Dr. Goodman about the impressive features of dental implants, schedule your dental implant consultation by contacting our office online or calling us at (816) 842-8585.