Patients have been leaning towards dental implants to replace their damaged or missing tooth. Several techniques and technologies have been adopted through the years in the development and design of dental implants. Even our ancestors had their own ways of designing the preliminary forms of dental implants. Learn about the history and development of dental implants right here:

The Birth of Dental Implants:

  • According to studies, the usage of dental implants shall be traced back to 600 AD by the Mayan population. Fabricated dental implants were made out of ivory, ox bone and shells, which were developed by an Arab surgeon Albucusis. Shells were directly inserted into the jawbone for replacing the missing teeth.
  • The first tooth transplantation from one person to another was done by J. Hunter in 1700, followed by the placement of gold cylinders as artificial tooth root by J. Greenfield in the year 1913.
  • It was in the year 1952 that the groundbreaking discovery called Osseo integration was made by P.I Branemark. The research found that bone integrated well with titanium quite effortlessly.
  • Other developments around this period include the double-helical spiral implant in the 1960s at France & a thin and long blade dental implant that was meant to treat total and partial edentulism.
  • With the introduction of CAD and CAM solutions, the design of dental implants evolved further during the year 1983. Such technological solutions also paved the way for high-precision manufacturing of dental crowns that are to be placed above the implants.
  • It was in 1998 the “All in 4 Treatment Concept” was introduced. This concept interpreted the usage of 4 dental implants on the upper jaw and another 4 implants on the lower jaw for teeth replacement. This has also enhanced the success rates of dental implant procedures and has offered a great relief for patients.
  • In 2005, the concept of 3D imaging was introduced for easy planning and implementation of dental implant procedure.

Present Day:

Dental implants used today come in various shapes and sizes catering to the requirements of patients. The major types of dental implants used in the present are as follows:

  • Endosteal Implants: This is the most common form of implants that are placed into the jawbone. They come in various shapes of cylinders, screws and plates. They are considered the best replacements for bridges or dentures.
  • Subperiosteal Implants: Subperiosteal implants are less common and are meant for those who have insufficient jawbone density and when the placement of implants directly into the jawbone isn’t recommended for them. They also come in different sizes.
  • Transosteal Implants: Transosteal implants share the characteristics of both Endosteal and Subperiosteal implants.

Through the years, dental implants developed in form and functionality with the Osseo integration process developing fabulous results for patients. Different forms of dental implants are available today to impart the best results, after assessing your dental condition. Owing to its higher success rates, dental implants are in great demand today!