A Restorative History: How Dental Implants Have Evolved to Help You

If you’ve heard of dental implants, you likely see them as highly advanced and complex. They’re (rightly) touted these days for their cutting-edge materials, placement, methods, etc. Still, the posts weren’t always this way; they only took their present form due to a long evolution. Your Sandy dentist can even prove it by outlining the relevant history. To that end, here’s a brief look at how dental implants have evolved to help you.

Implants Among Ancients

Dental implants got their true “start” several thousand years ago. In other words, they were created by ancient humans amidst their attempts at dentistry.

Some of the earliest dental implants came from early China. Based on current research, the Chinese people of 4,000 years ago would carve bamboo pegs as replacement teeth. These pegs would then be fixed into a person’s jaw to remain secure and stable.

Other early implants arose among the ancient Egyptians. Indeed, the first recorded case of a metal implant was found in an Egyptian king from 1,000 BCE. Scholars have also found ancient Egyptian remains with teeth made from jade and ivory.

Implants in Early Modernity

Implants only began to make major advancements in early modernity. More specifically, the posts saw several major breakthroughs in the 19^th and 20^th centuries.

The first among these changes came from dentists of the 1800s. Through continued trial and error, these doctors realized the body rejected certain implant materials. They then employed careful science to determine the best substances to use, all while taking notes. Their results were typically failures that fed into crucial research years later.

By the 1900s, dental implants were enjoying many successful changes. Drs. Alvin and Moses Stock were the first to successfully place a “modern” implant in the 1930s. (The placement worked because the post was made of Vitallium, a chromium-cobalt alloy.) Swedish surgeon Ingvar Brånemark discovered soon after that titanium was biocompatible and thus the ideal implant material.

Implants of the Present Day

Brånemark’s breakthrough is still applied now, with titanium as the most used implant base. That said, dentists of the 21^st century continue to push dental implants further.

Much current progress relates to how dental implants are placed. In the present, many dentists now perform implant surgery with cone beam CT scans – a technology that ensures precise placement.  Computer and robot-assisted surgeries are also becoming available, further reducing the risk of treatment.

It’s truly wonderful that dental implants have evolved to help you. To honor this reality, consider getting the posts for yourself soon!

About the Practice

Taylor Dental Care is based in Sandy, UT. Led by Drs. Michelle and Glenn Taylor, our practice focuses on the link between oral health and the rest of one’s body. This holistic approach ensures your whole self thrives as we make your smile stronger and more vibrant. That way, everything from dental checkups to dental implants will elevate your quality of life! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (801)-210-0950.