Losing a tooth is no more natural than losing a fingernail, although it may be more common. Tooth decay affects 90% of adults in America, and gum disease, which is the number one cause of adult tooth loss, affects 80% of the population. While unnatural, however, tooth loss is not a new epidemic. Evidence exists that suggest some modern concepts, including tooth replacement through implantation, have existed for thousands of years, perhaps longer. Fresno dentists Dr. Alex Denes and Dr. Claudia Denes outline some of the more interesting developments that have led to the modern marvel of biocompatible titanium dental implants.
An Intriguing Journey
- Researchers believe early Egyptians were the earliest civilization to attempt dental implantation. The material of choice was seashells, which experts agree may have worked due to the shells’ calcium carbonate content. The shells were trimmed and sculpted into the proper shape, then hammered into slots made in the jawbone.
- The Mayans also understood the concept of dental implants, and the idea of seashells seems to have spread as early as 600 AD. Aside from seashells, the Mayans experimented with other materials, as well, including jade.
- Today’s dental implant material of choice, titanium, was accidentally discovered by Professor Per-Ingvar Brånemark in 1952. While in his modest laboratory in Lund, Sweden, Dr. Brånemark found it impossible to remove the titanium microscopes he had anchored in bone during unrelated research. The discovery that titanium could irreversibly bond to living bone tissue contradicted the science of his time, and this osseointegration is now the basis for modern titanium implants’ success.
Modern Dental Implants
Today’s dental implants have come a long way, and serve a variety of specific needs. Whether you’ve lost one tooth, multiple teeth (in a row or dispersed), or all of your teeth, dental implants can restore the look, function, and equilibrium of your smile. To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can help you, or schedule your dental consultation, contact your Fresno dentists by calling Fresno Dental Studio at (559) 297-1800. Located in the 93720 area, we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.
Fresno Dentists Explore the History of Dental Implants