Contrary to popular belief, dental implants are not new. Ancient civilizations used little rocks, shells and gold as dental implants over 3000 years ago.

This is a mandible found in Honduras from A.D. 600 using pieces of shell.

As with many scientific advances, the discovery dental implants was totally accidental. In 1952, an orthopedic surgeon noted that when a titanium cylinder was placed into bone, it could not be removed and it completely fused to the bone. This was a discovery of special titanium property that is called osseointegration (“osseo” – bone; “integration” – fusion or joining with), which is the biological basis of modern implants’ success.

Implants were used in different forms, such as these blade implants. As science advances, researchers finally settled on today’s current root formation implant design. Dental implants have come a long way, and more than 1.7 million dental implants were placed in 2006. With almost 50 years of clinical research and an overall success rate of about 96%, dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacement of missing teeth.

Subperiosteals: Large implant that consists of a metal framework that attaches on top of the jawbone.