History of Dental Implants
Green Bay, WI
It wasn’t until fairly recently that the dental field shifted its focus from solving problems to preventing them. Throughout the history of civilization, people have been woefully misinformed about proper oral healthcare. Evidence shows that there has always been a need to replace missing teeth, whether it be to restore function or aesthetics. These days, dental implants are considered to be the most advanced solution for missing teeth. However, “implants” have been around in some form or another for thousands of years.
Use of Dental Implants Throughout History
In their current form, dental implants are considered a modern marvel, but the idea behind dental implants is nothing new. Archeologists have unearthed evidence of dental implants from several ancient civilizations. In China, over 4000 years ago, people carved bamboo pegs and tapped them into the bone to replace lost teeth. In Egypt, 3000 years ago, they used a copper peg to replace the tooth of an Egyptian king. This is the first evidence of a metal replacement for a tooth. Other Egyptian mummies were found to have teeth made of ivory or transplanted human teeth.
In 1931, while excavating Mayan ruins, Dr. and Mrs. Wilson Popenoe found human remains with tooth-shaped shells placed in the lower jaw. The discovery was particularly fascinating because the bone structure showed signs of growth around the shells. This idea of bone regeneration would come to be a crucial part of modern dental implants.
Modern Development
Dental implants as we know them did not exist until the mid 20th century. Swedish orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingvar Brånemark is considered the godfather of modern implant technology. He observed that bone could grow in such close proximity to titanium that it could effectively adhere to the metal. In other words, titanium and bone can fuse together through a process known as osseointegration. This discovery was a pivotal moment in tooth replacement treatment.
In 1965, Brånemark placed the first dental implant into the jawbone of a human volunteer. Over the next several years, he performed some experiments and studies to further his understanding of dental implants. By 1978, dental implants began to gain commercial traction. More and more dentists received training on dental implantation. Today, millions of patients have received an implant-supported restoration. In fact, implants are now considered the gold standard of tooth replacement treatment.
Why We Offer Dental Implants
At Bay Lakes Center for Complex Dentistry, we offer several forms of dental implant treatment, from single-tooth restorations to multiple-tooth restorations. Dr. Hallas specializes in dental implants because of their many benefits, some of which include:
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Implants have a 98% success rate.
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Under the right care and maintenance, an implant can last for several decades or even a lifetime.
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Your implant-supported restoration will look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
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Implants have improved durability, longevity, and strength. Tradition restorations are more susceptible to damage.
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Implants are easier to clean and maintain than other restorations.
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Implants can restore your smile, giving you an improved appearance and more self-confidence. |
Learn more about our dental implant placement service, and how it can benefit you.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you would like to learn more about dental implants, call (920) 278-7678, and schedule your consultation today. |
GREEN BAY (920) 278-7678
