Imagine your dentist using bamboo pegs or sea shells to replace your missing teeth. Believe it or not, in China, bamboo pegs were carved to replace missing teeth around 2000 BC! In Honduras, archaeologists discovered the remains of a female with a shell fragment pounded into her jaw around 600 AD! While these teeth replacement options may have been considered normal practices back in time, today it would be unheard of. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about leaving your appointment with seashells or bamboo pegs hanging out of your mouth. Modern dental implant advancements have made such practices a thing of the past, and they play a critical role in dentistry today. Gratefully, it has evolved immensely since ancient times.
Yes, we are all at risk for losing some teeth as we age. Nonetheless, being aware of dental implants and their benefits is necessary in the upkeep of your oral health. Furthermore, once you have a thorough understanding of its history, you’ll develop a stronger appreciation of modern dental implant advancements! This article will help clarify the history of implants covering early attempts, mid-20th century breakthroughs, the modern era, and the future. Let’s get started!
Early Attempts at Tooth Replacement
Let’s just say that early civilizations were real fancy with their attempts to replace missing teeth. Do you sense the sarcasm? Believe it or not, in the jaws of some ancient skulls, archaeologists have actually found rare gems like jade! A copper peg was even discovered in an Egyptian King’s mouth who lived in approximately 1,000 BC. Have you ever heard of carved stones being placed in the sockets of missing teeth? If not, the Mayan civilization was known for doing this!
Challenges with Early Implants
It was even common in ancient history for missing teeth to be replaced with teeth from animals or other people. Unfortunately, the risk of infection was prevalent as well as the rejection of the foreign body dental implant. Osseointegration needs to happen for implants to be considered successful. This is a process where the replacement tooth and the bone need to fuse together. So, let’s take a sneak peak at what transpired in the mid-20th century!
Mid-20th Century: The Birth of Modern Implants
Luckily, there were significant breakthroughs with dental implants in the 20th century! Modern dental implant advancements techniques were born from these significant breakthroughs since they created a successful foundation. One of these breakthroughs was called the Greenfield implant system. An American dentist named Dr. Greenfield introduced a hollow, cylindrical implant made of iridium-platinum. However, as much as it had a breakthrough innovative design, it wasn’t really biocompatible and it was too complex. But this innovation in the early 1900s was followed by some imperative breakthroughs in the 1940s and 1950s.
Discovering Osseointegration
The Greenfield implant system led professionals to experiment with a variety of different designs and materials, pushing forward the development of modern dental implant advancements. One orthopedic surgeon’s work with titanium led to the discovery of osseointegration. Bada bing bada boom! His name was Dr. PerIngvar Brandmark, and he was keen on researching bone healing and regeneration. When bone cells attach themselves to titanium, a stable bond is created; osseointegration. This is what he observed through his research!
More importantly, his research became even more popular in the 1950’s and 60’s. Not only did he discover that bone cells can attach themselves to titanium, he also realized that no adverse reactions were caused from osseointegration. So, this led to the official development of the modern dental implant.
The first successful titanium dental implant was placed in a human volunteer in 1965. Fortunately, it remained functional for many decades. Subsequently, this led titanium to be widely accepted in the 1970s and 80’s. What about the Modern era?
The Modern Era of Dental Implants
While everyone was raving about titanium for so long, eventually, along came another material. After all, everything is temporary or always changing. Zirconia eventually emerged as a popular material for dental implants. Why, you ask? Zirconia is known to have superb biocompatibility and unforgettable aesthetic properties! It is popular because of its durability and strength, preventing your teeth from chipping and cracking easily.
Technological Advancements in Implant Placement
It’s surprising now that we have even incorporated advanced technologies like computer-aided implant placement. Computer-aided design and manufacturing systems have transformed dental implant planning and placement for the better! These systems improve fit and function because they can customize implants and prosthetics accurately.
Immediate load implants are newer innovations that allow for the placement of a prosthetic tooth or crown on the same exact day of the implant surgery!
Now don’t forget that modern dental implants have high success rates and can last decades with the proper maintenance and care. In fact, they have the highest documented success rates well over 95% for periods of 40 to 50 years. They can help you chew better than dentures and their success rates do not decrease over time like bridges. Now, with all of our technology, anyone can invest in customized implants with aesthetics and function that fit uniquely to your mouth.
The Future of Dental Implants
Have you ever heard of 3D printing? It is the process where a 3-dimensional model is used to create a physical object. In succession, many thin layers of material are laid down. So basically, it is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a digital model. The creation of crowns, surgical guides, and much more has become streamlined or more efficient by 3D printing. Dental professionals have been offered more accurate, cost-effective, and faster solutions from this technology. In regards to dental implant procedures, 3D printed surgical guides make surgeries safer and more methodical or systematic! Also, real transformations have been manifesting from advancements in materials and the implementation of AI. Conveniently, AI can automate and optimize design. The following complex design tasks can be automated by AI; optimal crown designs, adjustable occlusion, and customizable tooth morphology.
Emerging Trends: Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering
Now, there are more emerging trends such as stem cells and tissue engineering in order to regenerate bone and support implants. Adult stem cells are located in bone marrow, adipose tissue, dental pulp and skin. Since these stem cells can divide and develop into mature cells, they are an important instrument of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. If you are looking more for a holistic path, this is it! The future of dental manufacturing and stem cell research will become:
- Faster.
- More Efficient.
- Cost-Effective.
- Improve Patient Comfort, Healing Time, and Outcomes.
With continuous improvements in 3D printing, AI, and stem cell research, modern dental implant advancements will become faster, more efficient, and patient-friendly.
From Seashells to Cutting-Edge Tech: A Journey Through Time
Ready to experience the benefits of modern dental implant advancements firsthand? Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, today’s implants are designed to restore both function and aesthetics. Don’t wait — talk to your dentist about the transformative power of dental implants and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Reach out to our team at Shorewood Family Dental Care for a personalized assessment of your dental implant needs. Dental implants have the ability to transform your oral health for the better improving your overall quality of life! We can’t wait to hear from you!
