The history of dental implants may surprise you.

Did you know that the history of dental implants goes back centuries? In fact, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Mayans used various materials to replace missing teeth, including animal teeth and shells. Bamboo pegs were used in China as early as 4,000 years ago to replace missing teeth. And today, tooth implants are a common tooth replacement option for people who have lost teeth due to injury or disease. If you’re curious about the fascinating history behind this modern dental treatment, read on for six interesting facts you may not know!

What is the history of tooth implants?

Thankfully, bamboo is no longer used today. And to answer your question about who invented implants, the honor can be traced back to the pioneering work of Dr. P. Brånemark. Dr. P. Brånemark’s discovery of osseointegration revolutionized the field of dentistry and gave hope to many who had lost teeth due to injury or disease. Brånemark’s first patient had severe jaw deformities and misaligned and congenitally missing teeth.

In 1965, he inserted four implants into the mandible. After six months, the implants had integrated with the bone and remained in place for an incredible 40 years. Brånemark’s discovery of osseointegration was accidental; he stumbled upon it while studying blood flow in rabbit femurs by placing titanium chambers in their bones.

And after years of research and experimentation, Dr. Brånemark presented a two-stage threaded titanium root-form implant in 1978 that revolutionized the field of dentistry. This breakthrough technology allowed for a permanent and stable replacement of missing teeth and paved the way for our advanced dental implants.

Today’s dental implants are a modern marvel.

All that research over a span of decades paid off, providing today’s dental patients with a highly-effective solution to missing teeth. They offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply replacing missing teeth. Made of lightweight and durable titanium, dental implants are non-magnetic, safe, and can even be used for joint replacements. Let’s dig into those benefits a bit further.

1. Titanium is incredibly lightweight.

Titanium is super lightweight, so dental implants from this material won’t put undue pressure on the jawbone or surrounding teeth. Most patients indicate that their dental implants look, feel, and function like their natural teeth.

2. Titanium implants are durable.

Titanium is one of the strongest and most durable metals in the world. Dental implants made from titanium are designed to last a lifetime with proper care, making them a wise investment for anyone looking for a long-term tooth replacement solution.

3. With titanium, there is no interference with medical devices.

Unlike other metals, titanium is non-magnetic. This means dental implants made from titanium won’t interfere with medical devices, such as pacemakers, making them a safe and convenient option for patients with various medical needs.

4. Titanium is biocompatible.

Titanium has been used in joint replacements for many years and has a proven safety and effectiveness track record. Dental implants made from titanium are biocompatible, meaning that they won’t trigger an allergic reaction or rejection by the body.

5. Dental implants provide stability.

Dental implants provide stability by fusing with the jawbone, creating a secure and permanent anchor for replacement teeth. This allows patients to eat, speak, and confidently smile without worrying about their teeth shifting or slipping out of place.

6. They can replace one or multiple teeth.

Dental implants can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth. Single-tooth implants are an excellent option for patients who are only missing one tooth, as they involve placing a single implant into the jawbone to support a custom-made dental crown.

Full-arch implants, also known as implant-supported dentures, are a solution for patients missing most or all of their teeth in one or both arches. They involve placing several dental implants into the jawbone to support a custom-made denture or bridge, providing a secure and long-lasting solution for full-mouth tooth replacement.

What are some tooth implant alternatives?

While today’s dental implants have a 90 to 95% success rate and are growing in popularity, they aren’t the only tooth replacement option. Bridges and dentures have been popular tooth replacement options for many years and continue to serve many patients well.

Dental implants offer a more permanent and stable solution for missing teeth compared to bridges. They don’t require alteration of healthy adjacent teeth, as bridges do, and they stimulate the jawbone to help prevent bone loss. Additionally, implants can last a lifetime with proper care, whereas bridges may need to be replaced every five to ten years.

Dentures also offer a functional tooth replacement option, but they can be uncomfortable and may require adjustments over time. Dental implants, on the other hand, provide a secure and stable foundation for replacement teeth, eliminating concerns about slippage or discomfort. Additionally, dental implants stimulate the jawbone, which helps prevent bone loss and preserves facial structure. While dentures may be suitable for some patients, dental implants offer a more natural and long-lasting solution.

Want to know more about the history of tooth implants? We’ll tell you!

If you are intrigued and want to learn more about the history of tooth implants and how today’s dental implants can help restore your smile, now is the time to request a consultation with your family dentist in Boise, ID. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to decide if titanium implants are right for you. If you’re an adult with missing teeth, now is the time to regain self-confidence. Contact us today.