The science and art of dentistry has been around for hundreds of years. Long ago, it seems, people understood that the loss of a permanent tooth was a grave loss indeed. For the last few centuries, historical evidence tells us that people attempted dental treatments on themselves and others. While we cannot begin to imagine the pain that many of these “patients” went through, we can understand their reasoning for wanting a complete, healthy and pain free smile.
Teeth are anchored into the upper jawbone by the periodontal ligament. This ligament is a muscle attachment that acts as a shock-absorbing mechanism. The periodontal ligament resides within the gums, which is why gum disease is officially known as “periodontal disease” and why gum disease causes tooth loss. Periodontal disease is also what caused dental implants of the past to fail. For years, dental implants were implanted into the periodontal ligament. It was until the discovery of osseointegration that dental implants were finally implanted directly into the jawbone.
Osseointegration allows an implant to connect to the bone, and for the bone to accept it as a part of the body. Thus, allowing it to become a permanent structure in the body. This has had the greatest impact on dental implants. Because doctors of dentistry now understand osseointegration, they are able to surgically implant a tooth anchor into the jawbone knowing that it will heal and that the bone will adhere to the implant as it would a natural tooth. This allows the surgically placed implant to remain secure in the mouth. Once the healing of osseointegration is complete, a crown is attached to the tooth anchor and the smile is once again complete.
Georgia Denture & Implant Specialists is proud to be the practice where Dr. Warren Berne and Dr. John Anderson call home. Our dental experience, knowledge, and expertise allow us to create the most beautiful and naturally looking tooth replacements for patients all over the Southeast. Contact us today to learn more about dental implants and if they are the solution you desire for correcting your incomplete smile. We are here to help bring back your confidence, return your smile, and restore the joy of mealtime. Contact us today!
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