Have you ever wondered how far back in history dental implants go? At Atwood Advanced Dentistry in Grand Junction, Colorado, we're diving into the fascinating world of ancient dental practices to uncover the roots of this revolutionary procedure - and let's just say, Dr. Atwood is grateful for the advancements we have today!

Archaeological discoveries from various parts of the world have given us a glimpse into the early days of dental implants. One notable find comes from Honduras, where researchers unearthed a jawbone belonging to a Mayan woman from around 600 AD. Surprisingly, this ancient jawbone had pieces of shell inserted into the sockets, serving as rudimentary dental implants. Imagine using seashells to fill the gaps in your smile!

In a separate excavation in Italy, archaeologists found evidence of iron dental implants in a set of teeth dating back to around 300 AD. Yes, you read that right - ancient Romans were experimenting with iron implants long before the age of titanium implants! Talk about metal-mouthed ancestors!

As we fast forward to the present day, Dr. Atwood and our team at Atwood Advanced Dentistry are utilizing state-of-the-art technology and biocompatible materials to restore smiles with precision and care. While our methods may have evolved significantly from seashells and iron, we can't help but chuckle at the thought of Dr. Atwood comparing his expertise to these historic attempts - we've come a long way, haven't we?

So, the next time you're in our office, take a moment to appreciate the journey of dental implants through the ages. From ancient Mayans to modern smiles in Grand Junction, Colorado, the history of dental implants is a testament to human innovation and the quest for a perfect smile.

Sources:

1. National Geographic - "Ancient Dental Plaque Reveals How Ancient People Cared for Their Teeth" - www.nationalgeographic.com

2. Journal of Archaeological Science - "Iron Age Dental Implants: Evidence from a Port-City in Southern Italy" - www.journals.elsevier.com/archsci