October 7, 2026
Receiving dental implants isn’t just a process; it’s a journey, and many of my patients find it worthwhile after seeing their new smile. But before this treatment became what it is today – the gold standard for tooth replacement – it evolved over time. Want to learn how these prosthetics have changed? Here’s a brief look into their history.
Tooth loss is not a new concept; in fact, ancient civilizations faced the same problem but used different methods to restore their smiles. For example, Chinese communities used bamboo pegs, and Egyptians used ivory or jade. Obviously, these materials were not reliable and couldn’t fuse with the jawbone, making them unstable and unsuccessful.
These original attempts to rebuild smiles may not have worked well, but they set the stage for what would eventually become the dental implants in the 1900s. Endosteal implants were first placed by Drs. Alvin and Moses Strock. Using Vitallium, a biocompatible chromium-cobalt alloy, it fused with the jawbone, creating a stable foundation.
By 1956, Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark performed the first tooth replacement with titanium. He placed a rod in a rabbit’s femur and allowed it to heal. Once he tried to remove it, he discovered the metal had fused to the bone.
Thanks to Dr. Brånemark’s research and successful use of titanium, most dental implants today are crafted from this biocompatible, highly reliable material. However, it’s not the only option, as zirconia can also last decades. When topped with a custom restoration made of porcelain or ceramic, patients can experience life-changing results – the kind that includes a strong, healthier, more beautiful smile.
The evolution of dental implants has come a long way, making them among the most reliable and natural-looking tooth replacements today. Now that you know more about their history, you can feel confident in your decision to choose these prosthetics to build your dream smile.
Dr. Steve Lim is a board-certified prosthodontist in San Jose with more than 25 years of experience. He earned his DMD at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine before completing his postgraduate degree in prosthodontics. He is currently a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow at the American College of Prosthodontics. When placing dental implants in-house, he uses advanced CT/cone beam scanning to create accurate treatment plans and deliver superior results. If you are thinking about rebuilding your smile with these long-term prosthetics, visit our website or call (408) 292–2848 to schedule a consultation.
Our office is strategically positioned in San Jose, CA, along North Bascom Avenue, offering easy connectivity to major transportation routes and centrally accessible from neighboring communities. The suite is housed within a professional complex with convenient parking options and straightforward building navigation for visitors.
