Dental implants may seem like they would be a more recent development in the field of oral surgery. However, some types of dental implants have been recognized as being used as far back as 2000BC. Throughout history, dental implants have been made from a hugely wide variety of materials. This includes everything from bamboo to metals, gemstones to sea shells, and teeth from other humans or animals have even been used. If you believe you may need a dental implant and want to learn more about how today’s technology has progressed in the world of implants, we here at San Tan Oral Surgery can help further educate you about them.
Early Evidence of Dental Implants
The first evidence of dental implants goes back to the ancient Egyptians. They used bamboo to stand in for missing teeth, and would use wire made of gold to keep loose teeth in place. In other places in Europe and within the Mayan civilization, evidence has been found of animal bones being used to replace teeth, as well as shells, ivory, and even pieces of stone. Gold wire or bands have been used in many ancient cultures to secure teeth to one another or an implant to another tooth.
During the 1700’s, particular interest was placed on dentistry in Europe, and doctors started using teeth from the deceased as implants in living people. While the logic behind this seemed sound, the implants would become inflamed and infected and would not “take” to the new person. Because of this, by the early 20th century, screw implants were beginning to be developed.
The Birth of the Screw Fixture and the Modern Implant
In the 1910’s, dentists started developing a fixture that would screw into the jawbone and act as an artificial tooth. The way the screw was formed allowed the bone to grow around the screw itself and provide more stability and permanence to the implant. Beginning in the 1960’s, screw implants were being heavily modified and tested for longevity. Different types of metals were being explored that would interact better with the bone and natural structures of the mouth.
By the late 1970’s, titanium implants were being developed that could be shaped in different ways and were lighter and stronger than previous materials. Dental doctors and scientists also began exploring different types of coatings for implants. What would last the longest, what would look the most natural, and what would provide the most long term comfort and use were considered high matters of importance when developing the surfaces for implants.
In today’s world, the science of dental implants has progressed to implants that will encourage the jawbone to regrow around them and have antibiotic properties to reduce the possibility of infection in the bone or mouth after an implant is placed. With advancements in technology and research, the development of dental implants can only improve on an otherwise already improved process.
If you are in need of dental implants and would like to research your options with today’s modern technology, please call us at (480) 604-2592 for an appointment today. Our state of the art technologies at San Tan Oral Surgery can help fix all of your oral problems.
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History of Dental Implants - Oral Surgeon Gilbert, AZ - San Tan Oral Surgery If you are in need of dental implants and would like to research your options with today’s modern technology, please call San Tan Oral Surgery today to schedule an appointment! San Tan Oral Surgery, 3303 S. Lindsay Rd. Suite 112, Gilbert, AZ 85297-2100 • (480) 604-2592 • santanoralsurgery.com • 10/11/2024 • Tags: Dental Implants Gilbert AZ •
