Over the last couple of decades, you have probably heard plenty of discussion about the benefits of dental implants in Dallas. Today, they are widely used to replace missing teeth because they offer over a 95% success rate. While you may think that they are a fairly new advancement in dentistry, they actually have a long history. In fact, many ancient civilizations used them to fill the space of missing teeth. As time went on, their use in history helped to pave the road for success in modern dental care.
History of Dental Implants
The use of dental implants dates to ancient China. Although they were far different than the ones we use today, around 2000 BC early versions of them were made from bamboo pegs. It was not until about 1000 BC that the first metal implant post was used. A grave that held an Egyptian king was found. He had a copper peg hammered into his jawbone. It is not clear if he was still living when the procedure was performed or if it was conducted after his death.
Archaeologists later discovered a Celtic grave in France that was found to have been from around 300 BC. Inside the grave, they found an iron prosthetic tooth that had been hammered into the jawbone. It is believed that it was done post mortem because the pain would have been unbearable.
Although you can commonly find early dental implants throughout history, it was not until 1952 that an orthopedic surgeon accidently created the foundation for modern dental implants. He had used a titanium cylinder to fuse the femur bone of a rabbit. He discovered that it led to bone regeneration. With this discovery, he believed that the metal could be used to replace missing teeth. In 1965, a human volunteer had the first implant post placed.
The procedure was a success, which lead to significant improvements in the materials and techniques used to replace missing teeth. The implant post eventually evolved into a titanium alloy screw with roughened surfaces to help promote the healing process.
Most Successful Tooth Replacement Option
Now, dental implants have become the most predicable and reliable option to replace missing teeth. Titanium continues to be used because the body accepts it naturally. In addition, it remains durable to allow it to provide a stable and secure foundation for prosthetic teeth.
Although you may not have heard about dental implants until recently, they have had a strong presence throughout history. If you are ready to replace your missing teeth with an option that has been proven successful time and time again, it is time to call your oral surgeon in Dallas to see if they are the right choice for you.
About Dr. Christopher Bao Brown
Dr. Christopher Bao Brown is a well-respected oral surgeon in the community. He specializes in an array of oral surgeries, including dental implants. If you are ready to regain a complete smile, contact our office today to schedule your consultation.