Dental implants are effective for teeth replacement compared to any other intervention available. They are long-lasting, function like ordinary teeth, and preserve the integrity of your oral tissue. However, dental experts did not recently concoct this procedure. The tooth replacement solution has been around for centuries.
Granted, the efficiency of dental implants comes from their longevity. Each subsequent generation perfects the procedure and passes the information to future generations. A drive-through history shows the evolution of dental implants and how they have gained their outstanding reputation.
The Ancient World
The ancient world may have disliked missing teeth as much as we do today. There is plenty of archeological evidence showing rudimentary implants on the jawbones of human remains from as early as 2000 years ago. The lasting impact of the implants goes to show their effectiveness in teeth replacement.
Egyptians
In 2500 BC, Ancient Egyptians had dental replacement procedures. They curved seashells and hammered them into the jawbone, substituting it for missing teeth. They also used ivory as a raw material. They got the material from elephant tusks and animal bones. Egyptians also tried to secure their unstable teeth using artificial ligaments in the form of gold strings.
China
The Chinese were also practicing this procedure in 2000 BC. They replaced missing teeth with small bamboo pegs.
Etruscans and Phoenicians
In 500 BC, Etruscans tailored gold bands from animals to stabilize weak teeth. They also substituted oxen bones for missing teeth. In another world area, Phoenicians used gold strings to support unstable teeth.
By 300 AD, the Phoenicians had advanced their techniques. They created dental bridges by curving ivory and tying it with gold strings. The bridge was then placed on cavities and secured with the wires.
The Mayans
Archeologists recently unearthed Mayan remains dating back to 600 A.D. There was evidence of foreign materials on the dental cavities on the skulls. The artificial roots were made of jade and seashell and fused with the jawbone tissue like modern-day implants.
A close analysis of the skulls shows that the jaw bone healed around the rudimentary implant. Thus, this provides reason to believe the Mayans were successful in their implant procedure. By 800AD, the Mayans and Hondurans were using stone as teeth replacement.
The Age of Enlightenment
The ancient world had tried every dental procedure involving seashells, ivory, stone, gold metal wires with little success. Between the 1700s to 1800s, the shift changed to human teeth and metal and alloys before getting a breakthrough in dental implants.
18th Century
In the 1700s, it was common to replace missing teeth with another human’s teeth. Human donors, cadavers, and the poor supplied the teeth. However, most dental transplants were unsuccessful because the patient’s body would treat the donor’s teeth as a foreign object.
At the time, science had not advanced enough to minimize autoimmune reactions on transplants. The first successful human transplant would occur in the 1950s.
19th Century
With teeth transplants becoming largely unsuccessful, the 1800s introduced gold, platinum, and an amalgamation of metals as implant materials. Patients got the implant right after tooth extraction. The dentists fixed pure metal or alloy on the tooth socket. However, the implants had a short efficacy period. There was also the risk of inflammation and infection on the tissues surrounding the implant.
The Modern Age – Mid 1900s
Strides toward making what looks like a modern-day implant began in 1952. A Swedish doctor, Professor Brånemark, found out by chance that the human bone tissue does not reject titanium. The discovery shifted the world of periodontics.
In the interim, renowned periodontists were creating the design of the implant using different metals like cobalt, stainless steel, Vitallium and iridio-platinum. Their research and development established that spirals fused better with the jaw bone than other designs. The implant began to look more like a screw. By the 1970s, doctors enhanced the screw to look like a double helix.
It was not until 1962 that professor Brånemark found out that a patient (from 1952) with pure titanium implants had fared well with the artificial roots. The patient provided sufficient evidence of titanium’s efficiency. They continued using the implants for 40 years.
In 1981, professor Brånemark published a report detailing his findings on titanium implants. The paper had adequate proof from his patients showing that titanium anchored and soldered well with bone tissue.
Scientists continue to design implants and improve on professor Brånemark’s work. Dr. Schroder and Dr. Straumann have provided exceptional work in improving the design of the implant. The two doctors created the exclusive plasma-sprayed cylinders and screws placed in a one-time operation.
Post-Modern and Beyond
Modifications in dental implants are ongoing because periodontists seek to produce implants that fasten healing. The artificial root surface is the only material that remains in contact with human tissue. It contributes to the stability of the implant and tissue interface. Therefore, surface implant refinements seek to enhance strength, improve pressure distribution, and stimulate bone healing.
Our Contribution
Our team consists of Dr. Mitchell S. Godat, Dr. Grant T. King, and associates. We are experts in periodontics and implant dentistry. Dr. Godat works full-time and has been on board for over 20 years. He has performed over 20,000 dental implants and continues making meaningful contributions in dentistry and periodontics. He has received numerous accolades from his colleagues. He has garnered awards for ten years straight as a top dentist, periodontist, and dental implant surgeon.
Dr. Grand’s leadership skills in dentistry and periodontics show his expertise in the field. He was appointed as chief resident in his last doctorate year at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Our associates are experts in dentistry, periodontics, and dental implant surgery. They work together to ensure you get the best services.
Contact Us Today
A dental implant procedure is only as good as the team behind the process. At the Periodontal Associates of Memphis, we specialize in dental implant surgery. Our partners and associates are skilled and experienced in dental, periodontic, and dental surgery interventions. We provide quality services during the procedure and follow up with after-care.
Contact us if you are considering a dental implant. We will provide guidance and recommendations for your condition. You can also schedule an appointment for a consultation and other inquiries.