Dental Implants Have been done for 2,500 Years

A 2,300 dental implant replacing an upper incisor was found in the timber burial chamber, Le Chene,

First Known Dental Implant

Northern France.  It is believed to be the oldest dental implant in dental history dating back to the Iron Age. The tooth was placed in a 22 year old woman after death for decorative purposes. During the Iron Age, teeth were added after death to improve appearance for after life. The procedure would have been too painful and excruciating to endure while alive. If placed while alive, it would have led to infection and death.

The corpse was found and excavated by Guillaume Segin in 2009.  The skeleton was not well preserved, however the teeth were in correct position with a metal pin located in missing tooth position.  A tooth would have been attached.  The implant preceded the oldest known by 400 years, also found in France.

The Marietta dentists, +Kirk Kimmerling DDS and +Suzanna Aguilera at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates place modern day dental implants at the dental office.  The dentists are happy to consult and answer questions concerning missing teeth and replacing them with dental implants at our expert dental facility.

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Depression and Anxiety Lead to Tooth Loss

People that are depressed or suffer anxiety are more likely to lose a tooth than others.

A recent study from the International & American Associations for Dental Research found depression and anxiety were linked with tooth loss. Participants over 19 years of age were used in a complex telephone survey by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and state health departments called the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) where complete data on depression, anxiety and tooth loss was gathered.

The study concluded that there was a link between those that suffer depression and anxiety with tooth loss. Individuals with anxiety may avoid professional dental care, and those suffering depression neglect to perform home care.  Since cavities and gum disease occur from complex and chronic conditions, neglect and avoidance over time will result in tooth loss.

If tooth loss does occur, there are ways to restore your smile with procedures such as dental implants, dental bridges, dental partials. If you find yourself in need of an emergency dentist for a dental extraction, root canal or emergency dental visit +Verde Pointe Dental Associates can help.  We at +Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Dr.+Suzanna Aguilera and Dr. +Kirk Kimmerling DDS will offer options and associated fees when tooth loss occurs.

Tooth Loss and Dental Implants

Do you suffer from tooth loss?  Many Americans have tooth loss, despite modern improvements in dentistry.  Tooth loss is mostly due to tooth decay, gum disease and tooth injury.  However, there is a popular procedure that can replace missing teeth.

Dental implants are ideal to replace a missing tooth or multiple teeth.   They can be used to anchor a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full denture.  Dental implants replace the missing root or roots of the missing teeth, and then a new crown(s) or denture is anchored.  It’s a strong foundation for replacement teeth that is fused to the bone permanently.  The replacement tooth is made to match and feel like natural teeth.  Implants relieve poor fitting dentures that slip while talking and provide better comfort.  Chewing will be easier and there will be no worries of a denture slipping.  Implants are made to last a lifetime and can, if properly taken care of.  Your dentist will provide you with information on how to properly take care of the implant in your daily routine.  Professional dental cleanings are easier done because the implant leaves space for proper cleaning.  Dental implants are also better for oral health because they leave all the other teeth intact. 

Let’s look at some facts about dental implants.

Dentist and hygienist recommend regular professional cleanings to ensure the implant stays in good oral health.  

Dental Implants Can Restore A Smile And Quality Of Life

People missing a single or multiple teeth now have an excellent solution to restore their smile.  Dental implants can be the best option for many good reasons says Marietta cosmetic dentist.  Implants look and chew food like natural teeth, and only your dentist needs to know you have them.  Implants look beautiful, feel natural and give the confidence to eat, laugh and enjoy life.  Although they can be costly, implants are worth the value. When understood, it's easy to see why they have become the option people prefer when replacing missing teeth.  They give back the smile people desire.

A dentist will decide how many implants and what options are available to restore smiles with multiple missing teeth. Implants require several visits and multiple steps.  A metal implant, usually titanium is placed into the jaw for the bone to osseointegrate.  A second, smaller procedure exposes the implant and an extension is placed to anchor the crown (tooth).  Not every person is a candidate for implants.  Your dentist will make sure there is a sufficient natural bone ridge to support the implant.  After an extraction, the body may not fill in the area with bone well enough on its own.  It may be necessary for your dentist to place bone in the area where the tooth was extracted.  Many times, it can be done as the implant is placed.

Dental implants can keep a person looking younger.  When a tooth is lost, the jaw bone naturally begins to atrophy and dissolve.  Missing teeth result in an older appearance as teeth are lost and the bone deteriorates.  The face begins to change shape.  An implant and crown can help hold the bone level stable resulting in a fuller more natural shaped face.

Dental implants have many benefits.  Millions of adults with missing teeth understand the unpleasant consequences that accompany the loss of teeth.  Speaking and eating become more difficult. Teeth nearby eventually suffer by laying down to fill the open space. Teeth on the opposing arch eject from the gums, also trying to fill the space.  Movement of the teeth compromise the overall condition of the mouth, and wreak havoc beyond speech and eating.  Teeth that have laid down become more difficult to clean and can cause a periodontal (gum) condition.  Restored implants keep teeth in their natural position.

Implants are an excellent option because they anchor teeth securely.  Foods of choice can be chewed without  worry or embarrassment of falling out.  Implant teeth do not cause gum irritations or sores like removable appliances.  They are a positive advancement in dentistry that allow people to eat and smile more naturally.

Dental implants require excellent home care.  Regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist help them last a lifetime.  If you are missing teeth, do not compromise your life any longer. Seek a consultation from a dentist that places implants.   Missing teeth no longer hold people back from the full life they desire.   Dental implants may be the solution to restore your smile says Marietta Dentist .

We Noticed You're Missing A Tooth- Replace It Now Says Marietta Dentist

Marietta dentist, Dr. Kirk Kimmerling asks, are you missing a tooth somewhere in your mouth, and think no one can tell? That gap between your teeth may be more apparent than you think, especially when you speak and laugh.  For those of you who think one missing tooth is not that big of a concern, it should be.  Once a tooth is missing, the downhill slide begins.  If the tooth isn't replaced, the surrounding teeth begin to fill in the missing space, and bone loss can occur where the missing tooth once was.  If that isn't enough, plaque and tartar can begin to develop making it difficult to brush between shifted teeth.  For some, a speech problem arises.  Tooth loss and shifting teeth can create an environment difficult to speak.    Think it's all bad news?  Well, it's not!  There is an implant procedure performed by dentists that can give you back your tooth.  A dental implant could be just the procedure to fill your gap, keep your teeth straight and put you where you use to be.

A tiny tube-like cylinder is placed in your jawbone, replacing the root of the tooth you once had.  The implant is usually made of titanium or other metals that the body does not reject, allowing it to osseointegrate, adhere to the bone.  This process can take up to three to six months.  Once the period passes, then the implant can be restored and the prosthesis, a tooth is attached.  The new tooth is customized, made to fit only you according to your surrounding teeth and tissue.

Before you can decide if an implant is right for you, you must be evaluated by a dentist.  He will look at many factors such as your overall health.  Illnesses, such as diabetes, leukemia, osteoporosis and sinus problems may make it more difficult for the bone to grown around the implant impeding success.  Certain medications taken by patients also can give the patient a poorer prognosis for healing.  Of course, smoking is usually considered a red-flag for an implant.  It is well documented that smokers are at higher risk for gum disease.  This creates a more difficult environment for an implant to succeed.  If you pass by these three criteria, your dentist will take x-rays to help determine if an implant is right for you.

If you have been considering replacing a missing tooth, then perhaps it is time to set up a consultation with a dentist.  He will give you a personal evaluation,  and find out if your insurance covers any of the procedures.  If you are not a candidate, your dentist will tell you alternative treatments. Implants require meticulous home care and regular hygiene visits to the dentist.

If you have decided an implant is right for you and have been given a green light by a dentist, it is an excellent way to replace a natural tooth.  The dental implant can make you feel like you never lost it.