History of Dental Implants
![]() What is a Dental Implant?A dental implant is a long-term restorative dentistry procedure that is the best solution for replacing missing teeth. An implant is a small metal pole that is surgically placed directly into your jawbone, specifically the area where your tooth is missing. Implants provide an artificial replacement for missing teeth and provide results up to 15 years or even a lifetime. Implants are created to replicate natural teeth and, just like a natural root, are able to support crowns, bridges, and dentures. What is a Dental Implant Made Of?Dental implants are constructed with the most biocompatible material – titanium. When planted in the jawbone, titanium allows the jawbone to fuse into it, forming a solid and stable foundation. This fusing process, known as osseointegration, allows the dental implant to act as an artificial root and function like a natural tooth. History of Dental ImplantsThe purpose behind the creation of a dental implant was to provide a solid and permanent solution to replace one or more missing teeth. The ancient Mayans were the first to use dental implants. Even thousands of years ago, early civilizations knew the importance and long-term benefits of repairing and restoring missing teeth. So, the first-ever recorded attempted tooth reconstruction was conducted by the Mayan Civilization in 600 AD. Over the years, archaeologists have discovered various skulls whose teeth have been replaced with jade, carved stone, and even seashell fragments. The use of these primitive methods and materials that were available to these civilizations has also shown successful and promising fusing results. The 1950’s witnessed the birth of the titanium dental implants as we know them today – a more comfortable and advanced procedure that helps restore healthy teeth. During research, an orthopedic surgeon, Professor Brånnemark, accidentally discovered the new modern implant when he placed titanium into a bone and realized that he could not remove it without breaking it. This led him to the conclusion that titanium had an extraordinary bio-compatibility – the ability to fuse with bones. Forwarding to 1965, the first-ever dental implant procedure was conducted on a patient. In 2005, the patient passed away with the original implants still securely placed for over 40 years. How Have Implants Changed Since Then?During the earlier years after the birth of the dental implant, it was pretty much a one-size-fits-all solution. However, a decade or two later, implants were created with the same width but different lengths. Thanks to dental technology advancements, dental implants are now found in an extensive variety of shapes, sizes, contours, and textures. Moreover, although the material, titanium, has remained the same, experts have better improved it to fuse more successfully than ever. All in all, the benefits of dental implants are quite extensive, including comfort, durability, natural look, and bone loss prevention. Here at Copper Canyon Dentistry, we believe that dental implants are the perfect solution to restore your oral health while improving the aesthetics of your smile. For more information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 661-775-8317. |
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