History of Dental Implants Throughout history, people have recognized the importance of having a complete set of teeth, both for aesthetic as well as functional reasons. The need to replace missing teeth eventually led to the development of dental implants, through much trial and error over the years and the use of different materials and approaches. Dental implants have evolved into a highly effective, permanent solution for tooth restoration. If you are interested in getting dental implants to replace your missing teeth, our team at Durham Prosthodontics is here to help you.Dental Implants in Ancient TimesLong before modern dental implants were invented, people used a variety of methods to replace missing teeth. As early as 2000 BC, the Chinese attempted to restore teeth by using bamboo pegs. A thousand years later, Egyptian medical practitioners used copper pegs, even hammering them into the jawbone of a king to replace lost teeth. About 2,000 years ago, wealthy individuals in ancient societies tried to replace missing teeth using animal teeth or teeth taken from people of lower social classes. Unfortunately, these early "implants" were often unsuccessful, leading to decay and infection due to improper materials and techniques. The Development of Modern Dental ImplantsThe breakthrough in dental implant technology occurred somewhat accidentally in 1952. While conducting research on bone healing and blood flow, Swedish physician Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark discovered that a titanium cylinder he had placed in a rabbit's leg bone had fused with the bone and could not be removed. This phenomenon, known as osseointegration, revealed that titanium can integrate with bone tissue, making it a suitable material for use in the human body. This discovery laid the foundation for modern-day dental implants. Osseointegration showed that titanium could act as a long-term anchor for artificial teeth, revolutionizing tooth restoration. Since then, dental implants have been refined and developed into a reliable and permanent solution for tooth loss. Today, dental implants boast a success rate of over 90 percent. They can be customized to meet the specific needs of each patient, with various materials and placements available based on the desired function and appearance. Who Needs Dental Implants?Nearly anyone can get dental implants provided that their jawbone has stopped growing and it has sufficient volume to support an implant. Implants are an ideal dental solution for tooth replacement whether a single missing tooth or several. Also, if you need support for non-removable dental bridges, implants may be utilized to provide that. These prostheses are suitable for reinforcing removable dentures. Learn More About How Dental Implants Can Help You!The evolution of dental implants has been a long journey, from ancient attempts using rudimentary materials to the advanced, reliable technology we now have today. Modern dental implants offer a highly effective way to restore lost teeth, improving both function and aesthetics. If you're interested in learning more about how dental implants can benefit you, schedule a consultation with our Durham Prosthodontics office to explore your options for tooth replacement. We will do a thorough dental examination and determine if dental implants are right for you. Give us a call at (984) 312-7056 and we will get you set up with a consultation. |
Contact Information3709 University Dr Suite D Durham, NC 27707-6224 (984) 312-7056 info@mydurhamdentist.com Follow Us |
