Dental implants have come a long way from their early days. What started as a rudimentary way to replace missing teeth has transformed into a sophisticated, reliable solution with numerous benefits. But who invented the first dental implant, and how have they gotten where they are today? Continue reading to explore the evolution of dental implants over time and how they can benefit you today.
The Earliest Dental Implants
The concept of dental implants dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans, used materials like seashells and stones to create artificial teeth. The earliest known implants were made from bamboo pegs in China. However, both of these early attempts are far from the efficient and comfortable solutions of today’s modern era.
The Breakthrough of the 1950s
It wasn’t until the 1950s that modern implants began to take shape. This was mostly because of a single incredible discovery by a Swedish orthopedic surgeon named Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark. During his research, he discovered that titanium could fuse with bone through a process known as osseointegration. This groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the development of modern dental implants as they’re known today.
Modern Advancements
Today’s implants have had decades of research and development to make them sturdier, more efficient, and less likely to fail. New technology and methods have made placing them far less risky than ever before. In fact, contemporary implants boast a success rate of over 95 percent! This, along with their multiple health benefits make dental implants the gold standard for tooth replacement.
The Benefits of Dental Implants
Implant dentistry continues to improve, even today, and the benefits of these small tooth replacements are numerous and varied, like:
- Jawbone Preservation: As you chew, your implants stimulate your jawbone, preventing it from deteriorating after tooth loss.
- Improved Nutrition: Studies show that people with severe tooth loss have more nutritional deficiencies than those with healthy teeth. Dental implants can restore your ability to enjoy a wide range of foods.
- Digestion Support: Missing teeth can cause larger chunks of food to enter your digestive tract due to insufficient chewing. This can cause many digestive issues that can be solved by restoring your smile with implants.
- Facial Aesthetics: Over time, as your jawbone deteriorates from tooth loss, it can cause your facial structures to weaken. This can lead to sagging, lines and wrinkles, and a shrunken or hollowed appearance. Dental implants prevent facial collapse by maintaining these structures.
As you can see, dental implants have come a long way! Their evolution has made them a reliable, effective, and life-changing solution for many patients. If you’re considering getting implants of your own, give your dentist a call. With their help, you can explore how these modern marvels can benefit you and restore your smile.
About the Practice
If you’re considering dental implants to restore your smile, Nu Dental Eatontown has a fantastic team of dental experts who can help you. They employ the latest dental technology to ensure that your treatment is fast, effective, and lasts for decades. If you want to see the difference implants can make, call (732) 863-3899 to schedule a consultation or visit the website to explore other services.