Missing teeth is something that isn’t a modern problem. Your ancestors likely experienced it as well, but they had their own way of filling in the gaps that were created. Over time, their ideas helped create the dental implants you know of today, allowing you to benefit from decades of research. This tooth replacement has evolved a lot since then, so here’s a peek behind the curtain to see how they became the gold standard.
Early Conceptions of Dental Implants
Even going back 4,000 years, there’s evidence of people finding ways to restore their missing teeth. The Ancient Chinese would carve bamboo pegs and then insert them into their jawbone. Going forward 2,000 years, the Egyptians would use precious metals. Jade and ivory were some, but they weren’t the most reliable option as they couldn’t fuse with the jaw.
How Dental Implants Started to Find Their Footing
As different communities used their own things, it wasn’t until the 1500s to the 1800s that dental implants started to make consistent advancements. At first, metal alloys were used, but they weren’t the best choice. Dr. E.J. Greenfield then thought of using 24-karat gold in the 1900s. While his work still failed, it led to two brothers using his research as a foundation.
Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock used Vitallium instead, which is a mix of cobalt and other materials. This was often used in hip bone implants, so using it for dental implants led to the first successful treatment!
Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark then made the next breakthrough in 1952. He was studying bone healing and regeneration and tested with titanium. He placed this metal into a rabbit’s femur, let it heal, and when he tried to remove it, he noticed the post was fully fused to the bone. This was an accidental discovery that allowed him to place the first implant made of this material in 1965!
Dental Implants in the Modern Era
The ripples of Dr. Brånemark’s research are still seen today, as modern dental implants are often still made from titanium, with zirconia being the occasional exception! The restoration on top now often uses high-quality porcelain. These allow for results that look and feel natural, helping you feel confident with your full smile in the end.
Better yet, advanced technology and instruments help make the entire process more efficient and effective than before. That way, you can be confident knowing that you’re making a great decision for your oral health.
About the Practice
At Boyd & Walther Tallahassee Dental Associates, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Ransey Boyd and Dr. Kirstin Walther. With over 30 years of combined experience, we are happy to help the local community get the full smiles they deserve with dental implants. By partnering with trusted local specialists, you can trust you’re getting the high-quality care you deserve. If you want to learn if this tooth replacement option is right for you, schedule an appointment or call our office at (850) 878-4117.