A reliable solution for patients with missing teeth, dental implants use a metal post that is secured to the jawbone to provide a synthetic root system that rivals a tooth’s natural roots in terms of strength and durability. In addition to restoring self-confidence and one’s ability to chew, dental implants support overall dental health by preventing bone resorption and protecting adjacent teeth.
Although some evidence suggests that the use of dental implants dates back 4,000 years, the implants used today are based on the work of Dr. Norman Goldberg and Dr. Aaron Gershkoff. Working in collaboration, the two doctors developed the first successful subperiosteal implant in the late 1940s. This early implant was inspired by techniques used in medicine to repair and replace other parts of the body.
Building on Goldberg and Gershkoff’s work, other doctors began to refine and improve dental implants over the years. One notable figure in the history of dental implants was Dr. Per-Ingvar Branemark, a Swedish orthopedic surgeon who performed the first titanium dental implant surgery in the mid-1960s. His work led to further advancements in implant systems and to techniques that are still in use. According to the scientific literature, today’s implants have a success rate exceeding 95 percent.