The History of Dental Implants

Although they seem like a modern invention, dental implants were actually created thousands of years ago. Ancient civilizations were known to have used dental implants as long as 4000 years ago! Around this time, the Chinese had discovered a way to insert bamboo pegs into the mouth, replacing missing teeth. Also, in Egypt, citizens were practicing similar styles of dental implant procedures, but with ivory instead. It’s clear that both these civilizations knew, having healthy teeth, meant being a healthy person.

Later, it was also discovered that even the Mayans had been able to repair broken and missing teeth with stone, or carved shells to fit into the spaces. From 600 AD and forward, they had discovered a way to fuse the teeth they had created, to the jawbone itself, for a rather permanent solution similar to how we create dental implants today.


Today, dental implants have evolved with the need for better, stronger and longer lasting materials. The current method used for replacing teeth was discovered recently as well, in 1952. During a study on bone health and healing, doctors noticed that the titanium used in the study, would often fuse with the bone a nearly unbreakable way. This was called osseo integration. This small discovery would go on to have a profound impact on dental services and procedures.

In 1965, Barnemark, who was an orthopedic surgeon, successfully completed the first titanium dental implant on a volunteer. The incredible discovery rapidly helped shape more advanced dental implants, some which we are very familiar with still today. Because of these implants, many people have regained their ability to chew, speak and be confident!

At first, when dental implants were introduced to mainstream dental practices, it was a ready solution for anyone who had been missing all of their teeth, and anyone who wasn’t satisfied or able to use traditional sets of dentures. These implants were all the same size, and the teeth were all the same circumference, smoothed and then polished by machines. The only thing that could be changed about them, was the length of the tooth.

Currently, there are even more options for creating the perfect set of dental implants. Whether you have a single tooth missing or many, choices now include different shapes, forms and textures. With these changes, it’s practically impossible for anyone to know that someone has dental implants. The tooth is also textured before it’s installed into your mouth, so that the titanium will fuse to it more quickly, creating a strong bond, fast. The osseointegration that occurs is vital for the dental implant to last as long as it can.

Thanks to incredible leaps in technology, like the invention of 3D printing devices, the dental implant process is always becoming quicker, safer and provides patients with incredible results. A safe, out-patient procedure, the overall look is comparable to the real teeth. With important discoveries by the likes of pioneers such as Barnemark, those who may have lost some (or all) of their teeth, can finally enjoy having them again!