History of Dental Implants
Eugene, OR
 Having a complete set of teeth has always been given significant value throughout history. More than a quality that adds aesthetic value, a complete set of teeth is critical to day-to-day functions. Losing teeth is possible due to natural and accidental reasons, and the loss of teeth has driven people throughout different eras to replace missing teeth.
We will give you a brief history of dental implants, from its origins in ancient China to where restorative dentistry stands with the advanced dental technology available today. At Harmony Dental, Dr. Umberger and Dr. Yakigian are well-equipped to cater to your oral health needs. Reading the history of dental implants might give you a better perspective on the treatment you’re getting and how far restorative dentistry has come over time.
The Ancient Era
The earliest known version of dental implants are slated to have been invented around 2,000 B.C., made using carved bamboo pegs to replace missing teeth. The first case where replacement teeth were made with metal was found in the body of an Egyptian pharaoh from around 1,000 B.C., where the pharaoh had a copper peg inserted into his lower jawbone. It is uncertain whether the tooth was installed when he was alive or after his passing, though the latter seems likelier because the peg was hammered into the jawbone.
Archeologists have also found a Celtic grave from around 300 B.C. in France where an artificial tooth made using iron was found in the body. However, dental experts are convinced that it was installed after the person’s death for the same reasons they believe the pharaoh had his copper peg installed postmortem.
It was also a common practice for people to have their missing teeth replaced by those from other people or animals in ancient history. However, modern restorative dentistry avoids the practice due to a higher risk of rejection and infection.
Changes in Dental Implants Over Time
The 18th century saw experts begin experimenting with using various metallic alloys to create dental implants, but none yielded positive results until a dental surgeon used porcelain teeth mounted on a platinum disc in 1886. It was also the first case of understanding the process of the jawbone fusing with a metallic implant. The success of the first titanium implant led to the development of better techniques to replace missing teeth, paving the way for modern dentistry as we know it today.
The All-on-4® Treatment Concept in Dentistry
The All-on-4 Treatment Concept is a leading solution in modern restorative dentistry for severe cases of missing teeth. The treatment, however, derived in the 1950s, when Swedish professor, Per-Ingvar Pranemar fully understood osseointegration - the process in which the jawbone fuses around metallic dental implants. The discovery he made revolutionized restorative dentistry forever. The 1990s saw the birth of the All-on-4 technique as we know it today. Innovated by Professor Paulo Malo from Portugal, the treatment is now regarded as the top standard for a full teeth replacement procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation With Us Today
Now that you’re aware of the history of dental implants and how far restorative dentistry has come, you might not be as anxious about getting your dental implant procedure done. You should know that you’re in completely safe hands at Harmony Dental. Contact us for your dental implant restoration by calling us at (541) 246-3250 today and schedule a consultation with our esteemed dental surgeons to get your treatment.
|
