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Dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement, evolving significantly over time to transform smile restoration. These titanium screws are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots, becoming a popular choice for both patients and dentists. From their early development to modern advancements, dental implants have continually improved. Read on to discover the fascinating history and evolution of dental implants.
Ancient Dental Implants
The origins of dental implants trace back to approximately 600 A.D. in China, where bamboo pegs were the earliest known implants. By 1000 B.C., ancient Egyptians had begun using precious metals to create dental pegs, marking the first recorded use of such materials.
Archaeological findings have also uncovered dental pegs made from ivory and precious gems like jade. The ancient Mayans further contributed to early dental implant history by using seashell fragments and intricately carved stones, some of which showed evidence of fusing with the bone.
Developments in Dental Implants
Between the 1500s and 1800s, European scientists experimented with dental implants made from materials like silver, porcelain, and gold alloys. They also tested iridium tubes, a hard and brittle metal. During this era, it was a common practice to extract teeth from the less fortunate or the deceased and transplant them into the mouths of the wealthy.
Dental Implants in the 20th Century
From the 1500s to the 1800s, European scientists explored dental implants using materials like silver, porcelain, gold alloys, and iridium tubes, a hard and brittle metal. During this period, it was also common to take teeth out of the mouths of the less fortunate or the deceased into the mouths of the wealthy.
Modern Dental Implants
In 1938, Dr. P.B. Adams patented a groundbreaking dental implant that included a healing cap to encourage tissue regeneration. This implant featured internal and external threading along with a smooth collar for the gums.
In the 1940s, Dr. Manlio Formiggini and Dr. F. Zepponi introduced an implant with a stainless-steel spiral to enhance integration and stability with the jawbone. Dr. Perron Andres later refined this design by adding a solid shaft, further improving its effectiveness.
In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium could uniquely bond with bone tissue, making it an ideal material for implants. The first successful titanium implant was placed in 1965, and by the 1970s, titanium implants became widely used in modern dentistry.
About the Practice
Edison Prosthodontics is dedicated to providing a broad spectrum of treatments, emphasizing patient comfort and personalized care to meet each individual’s dental needs. Our focus is on restoring full, beautiful smiles through a comprehensive range of services, prioritizing preventive care to ensure optimal oral health. Committed to both comfort and excellence, our practice offers extensive services to maintain the health and aesthetics of your teeth. For more information about dental implants or to schedule an appointment, contact Edison Prosthodontics at (732) 906-0077 or visit our website.