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Can a friendly staff of experts make a difference in your dental experience? Listen to one of our patients will tell you how!
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As periodontists, Dr. Turner and Dr. O’Neill are dentists who specialize in the placement of dental implants, as well as the treatment of periodontal disease. Beyond four years of dental school, they both completed a residency in periodontics and are board certified by the American Board of Periodontology. They work closely with a number of exceptional dentists to ensure the best possible outcome when patients decide to replace their missing teeth with dental implants in Savannah, GA.
The Dental Implant Procedure
A dental implant actually consists of two parts: the implant and the tooth restoration. Dr. Turner or Dr. O’Neill surgically place the implant or implants in your jawbone, and your dentist then designs and attaches the appropriate tooth restoration after you’ve healed.
The implants are small posts made of a metal called titanium. The biocompatibility of this metal allows it to not only exist within your jaw without causing harm, it also fuses with the surrounding bone tissue. In doing so, the implant creates a stable anchor for your eventual tooth restoration.
Moreover, the implant acts similarly to a tooth root in the way that it encourages new bone growth. Without a root, bone tissue in the immediate area weakens and begins to degenerate. As a result, your facial appearance may slacken and age you by many years. No other tooth replacement option can help you avoid this besides dental implants.
Dental Implants and Your Tooth Restoration
Once you’ve healed from the surgery to place your implant or implants, you’ll return to your dentist’s office to have the tooth restoration fabricated and attached to the posts. A number of restorative options are available. The one that is best for you will depend on the number of teeth missing and condition of your jawbone.
A single missing tooth requires one implant and one porcelain crown to replace the visible portion of your tooth. If you have several missing teeth, or if you are missing all of the teeth along your upper or lower arch, then mini implants or All-on-4 dental implants may be most beneficial. Mini implants are smaller than traditional implants and are, therefore, often chosen for patients whose jaws are narrow. Two, three or four implants are placed within the jaw; these attach to the underside of your denture for a more secure fit. Likewise, All-on-4 dental implants use four regular size dental implants. A temporary denture is placed during the healing time, after which your dentist will attach your new permanent denture.
Call Our Office Today
If you would like more information about dental implants, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Turner or Dr. O’Neill, contact Savannah Periodontics.
