Dental Implants aren’t a new-age discovery. Dentistry and dental implants have been around for thousands of years, just not in the way they are now. That is why it is essential to know the history of dental implants. Many civilizations have tried to recreate teeth over the years using several ideas. From creating dentures to implanting an object into the jawbone, we will reveal several inventions that have come to the surface throughout the years.

What are Dental Implants?

To understand the history of dental implants, you must understand what dental implants are. Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and provide a more permanent solution than dental bridges. Furthermore, dental implants provide a strong foundation for replacement teeth that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. However, the dental implant procedure typically involves placing a small titanium post in the jawbone to act as a tooth root. Once the implant bonds with your jawbone, we place a dental crown on top of the implant to provide a natural-looking tooth. However, dental implants weren’t always titanium. Plus, dental implants used many materials before titanium was discovered to be the best option.

Dental Implant History

Dental implants are an increasingly popular way to replace missing teeth, but many people do not know the history of dental implants. They have been around for thousands of years, with the first recorded instance dating back to 600 AD. Since then, dental implants have undergone significant development and are now a widely accepted treatment for tooth loss. Here is the history of dental implants:

A brief timeline:

2500 BC

Ancient Egyptians used gold wire to help stabilize loose teeth. Plus, they were even known for carving seashells and then hammering the seashells into people’s gums to replace teeth. Also, they would use bones from animals and even ivory from elephant tusks to replace missing teeth.

2000 BC

In ancient China, they would carve small pegs made from bamboo to replace teeth.

1000 BC

An Egyptian king had copper pegs placed into his jawbone. As a side note, we can’t determine if he completed the procedure while he was still alive or not.

500 BC

The Etruscans used gold bands to fix their teeth, while the Phoenicians used gold wires for stabilization.

100 BC

Furthermore, it has been evident that people worldwide would use teeth from animals and even enslaved people to replace missing teeth.

300 AD

The Phoenicians created fixed bridges using teeth carved from ivory and gold wire.

600 AD

During an archaeological dig in 1931, they uncovered that Mayans used shells to replace missing teeth.

800 AD

Mayan/Honduran culture would use stones to replace missing teeth.

1700’s

Moreover, people would try to use human teeth to replace their missing teeth. But, because the human body is known to reject foreign objects, most implants were unsuccessful.

1800’s

People tried using gold and platinum to place into the actual sockets to try to create replacement teeth. They would do this process right after a tooth was extracted.

1952

Professor Brånemark, a doctor in Sweden, accidentally discovered that titanium could bond to living bone tissue and not be rejected by the human body.

1962

The first dental implant was successfully placed after significant trial and error.

Since then, dental implants have steadily gained ground as the preferred method of tooth replacement. Since 1965, dental implant procedures have reportedly helped more than 2 million people.

Waco’s Dental Implant Experts

Acre Wood Dental is Waco’s premier dental implant provider, led by Dr. Johnson, a dental implant expert. Furthermore, Dr. Johnson has years of experience placing dental implants and works with each patient to ensure they get the best possible results. Acre Wood Dental offers a wide range of dental implant services, from single tooth implants to All-on-5s. 

If you are considering dental implants, Acre Wood Dental in Texas is the perfect place to get them. Plus, you’ll be in good hands with Dr. Johnson and his team of expert dental professionals. Schedule a consultation today!