Dental technology has come a long way in history, implants included. You may be surprised to know that dental implants date back to ancient civilizations. Thankfully, the modern implants and advanced techniques used at Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is both safer and much more effective than the ancient methods, involve far less pain, and give you back the full function and appearance of your missing teeth.
Although dental implants seem like a relatively recent and innovative treatment for missing teeth, people have been using similar methods to hold artificial teeth for thousands of years. Around 2000 BC, people used bamboo pegs as dental implants in ancient China. An Egyptian king who ruled around 1000 BC had a copper implant in his mouth, but it is thought to have been placed there after death. Similarly, an iron false tooth in an ancient Celtic grave in France was also assumed to be inserted after the individual's death. We also know that the Mayan civilization around 600 AD used seashells as implants, fashioned to look like natural teeth. Remains indicate that these early implants were part of the bone structure, which means they were used as functional teeth.
Dental implant research and experimentation became more popular in the 1800s. Porcelain, gold, silver, and alloys were all different materials used in these early attempts. For the most part, these failed because the body rejected the implant. It took time for scientists to develop an implant that would work successfully. It wasn't until 1913 that the first successful dental implant was integrated into a patient's jawbone by Dr. E.J. Greenfield. He used 24-carat gold as the artificial root.
In 1952, Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark found that a small titanium cylinder had a better success rate for implants. Titanium is a biocompatible material that the body does not reject. Instead, the bone bonds to the surface of the titanium in a process that Dr. Branemark called osseointegration. He used the titanium implant on his first human volunteer in 1965, and the implant had fully integrated into the bone and was still there 40 years later.
Technology develops quickly in our age, and dental implants are a popular and highly effective way to replace missing teeth. Dental implant treatment has a very high success rate, and you can expect your dental implant to last for decades. There's a good possibility that your implant will last the rest of your life.
We are proud to offer the latest in dental implant technology at Legacy Surgery. All procedures are done in our state-of-the-art surgical center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Dr. Jeff Kesecker is a dental implant specialist. He has the skills and qualifications to handle all types of implants, including:
If you desire a permanent, safe, and very effective tooth replacement solution, you should schedule a dental implant consultation with Dr. Kesecker. Ask if dental implants are right for you. Unlike ancient implants, our implants are made of the highest quality materials, and we make sure you are comfortable during the entire procedure. Our dental implant procedures are expertly done for a quicker recovery time. Everyone on our professional dental staff wants you to have a good experience when you come here, and we will personalize your treatment to ensure you get the best care possible. Schedule your appointment today.
